Orji Kalu Advocates for Part-time Legislature in Nigeria

Orji Kalu, the lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has endorsed the idea of part-time legislature at both federal and state levels. In an interview posted on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, Kalu emphasized that this move would help reduce the cost of governance and boost public trust in the government.

Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State, also expressed support for a constitutional amendment to facilitate this change. He said, “I think it will be a very good idea if my colleagues and other members of the Houses of Assembly agree that we can sit for three months to do a constitutional amendment first. We could then sit four times a year, with provisions for emergency sessions if needed, instead of a full-time legislature.”

He added that the shift to part-time legislature should apply not only to the Senate and House of Representatives but also to all legislative houses in Nigeria. Kalu suggested that regional government could be another viable alternative to reduce the cost of governance, especially given the country’s worsening economic situation.

“If we’re moving towards a regional government, the same principle should apply to ministers and legislators,” Kalu noted. “I’ve been considering how we can save money to run Nigeria because the country needs financial efficiency.”

Kalu urged the President and the National Assembly to enact laws supporting these changes, highlighting that such reforms would benefit the entire system. He also addressed misconceptions about the compensation of Nigerian senators, stating that they are not paid as much as is widely believed.

In conclusion, Kalu called for a swift constitutional amendment to establish a part-time Senate, House of Representatives, and state houses of assembly, believing that this would enhance trust and provide relief to the Nigerian people.