Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, representing Bayelsa East, tweeted himself into criticism on Saturday when he described people asking him questions about senators’ salaries as silly.
Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay, recently claimed that a Nigerian senator earns about N29 million a month and over N3 billion a year.
With Nigerians asking questions about their lawmakers’ jumbo pay, Murray-Bruce, who is more vocal on social media than on the floor of the Senate, said only members of his constituency should ask him about salaries. Others should go ask their senators.
Except you are my Constituent, It is silly for anyone to have a problem with the Senate’s salaries and come to me. Go to YOUR own Senator!
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) October 7, 2017
Coming from a man who preaches common sense to all Nigerians, the 61-year-old’s statement drew condemnation as can be seen below.
This is when we know people who write from their heart and from their thumbs. Just talk about money then u see their reaction.
— Uncle Jay (@chikezie_jay) October 7, 2017
It is silly to talk what concerns Nigerians as a whole if non constituents cannot ask you questions. Tuck in your arrogance, senator.
— E.J Alozie-Nwagboso (@Enwagboso) October 7, 2017
MR “Common Sense”your Salary is been paid with tax payers money and not your constituent revenue alone. Sometimes “common sense”isn’t common
— Adeyemi A. Daniel (@adeyemidan) October 7, 2017
Your common sense should also be directed to your constituents only and broadcasted in constituency not National TV
— Victor Ate (@atevictor1000) October 7, 2017
Just as it is silly to come to Twitter and be preaching #CommonSense when you haven’t preached same to your constituents.
— N.K.O. Hamzat (@hamzat4love) October 7, 2017
Blv me, I’m disappointed in Bruce Lee abi na Bruce Ben
— Agboola || Peter® (@baba_Omoloro) October 7, 2017
Yes, you might be right. But what impact have you created in the lives of your constituents, because I know your village and have been there
— El-edje Efe (@DivramredjeE) October 7, 2017
Chill. You r a senator of d FRN. Abi na only ur constituents money dem take dey pay u?Is this #CommonSense 2 big to ask 4?
— The Common Man (@talkutalku) October 7, 2017
In my candid opinion, non of the present crop of senators should return in 2019. They are all errors. Imagine d one we thought had sense
— Ajidea (@Ajidea1) October 7, 2017
Then why do you post daily lamentations and exhortations on social media addressed to all Nigerians, are we your constituents? https://t.co/tyTYGRU0oP
— Onye Nkuzi (@cchukudebelu) October 7, 2017
