..Agree To Reduce Salaries
Members of the House of Representatives have agreed to reduce their monthly salaries US$15,000.00 to US$5,900.00. According to our Legislative Reporter, the disclosure was made by Deputy House Speaker Prince K. Moye.
The decision by the lawmakers is said to be a pressure from Montserrado County Senator, Abraham Darius Dillon when he asked his colleagues to reduce their huge monthly salaries in order help with the development of the country.
Senator Dillon recently revealed the salaries for lawmakers in the tone of US$15,000, saying it was very huge and needed to be reduced.
Political pundits are now saying the pressure is said to have come from Senator Dillon and a number of citizens and some members of the international community.
But Sinoe County senator, Milton Teahjay reacted sharply towards Senator Dillon’s statement saying it was wrong with no trace of facts.
Prior to this decision by members of that august body, there have been series of calls from the public and some lawmakers for the reduction of their salaries.
The disclosure about the lawmakers’ reduction in salaries was made over the weekend in Gbarnga, Bong County by Deputy House Speaker, Prince Moye when he served as keynote speaker at the 55th Anniversary of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL). He said the decision was taken on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the Liberian Legislature in Monrovia following an emergency session.
“The agreement is in line with the ‘Harmonization Process’ that has been undertaken by the Executive Branch of government,” he said.
However, the Deputy Speaker failed to explain whether the benefits of the lawmakers, such as fuel allotment, constituency visit, medical and others would be affected.
He also disclosed that the ‘Harmonization process’ will not affect nurses, teachers and security agencies in the country.
Recently, the Health workers’ union of Liberia embarked on a strike action which affected several hospitals. The Ministers of Health, Finance held meeting with the workers to resolve the protest. Following series of discussions, it was called off.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
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