The Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shuaib, has opened up about the financial hardships he is facing, revealing that he sometimes struggles to afford transportation to attend parliamentary sittings.
His revelation came in response to a question from the Speaker regarding his frequent absence from pre-sitting sessions. In a candid remark, Hon. Shuaib stated: “Speaker, sometimes it’s a matter of lorry fare. Since this government came in, it’s been very difficult for me even to get money to have a lorry.”
Presiding over the session, the First Deputy Speaker expressed sympathy for the MP’s situation, assuring him that a solution was on the way through the ongoing vehicle loan scheme for legislators.
“Hon. Jerry Ahmed, you have a very legitimate point… I do not know, but they have started the deductions for the car loans, and the Hon. Member is still complaining about transport,” the Deputy Speaker noted.
Confirming the Speaker’s statement, the Deputy Majority Leader added, “Mr. Speaker, you are right. The deductions have already started. I believe the money is also in. We were told precisely how long the deductions would take to cover the full amount.”
The Speaker further assured Hon. Shuaib that his concern was valid and would soon be addressed, stating, “Very soon, your concern will be addressed. It’s a legitimate concern. I agree perfectly with you.”
Reflecting on his own early days in Parliament, the Speaker recalled the logistical hurdles first-time MPs faced in the past, even operating out of their car boots due to the lack of office space.
The exchange highlights the growing concern over the financial wellbeing of some public officeholders amidst the broader economic challenges facing the country