The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the recently concluded general elections, Peter Obi, has strongly criticised the recent approval of a 114 percent salary increase for elected politicians and public office holders by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that this raise applies to positions such as the President, Vice President, governors, lawmakers, as well as judicial and public office holders.
Obi expressed his disapproval through his verified Twitter account, stating that this salary increment is untimely, considering the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians, with over 130 million people living in poverty. He argued that leaders should be focused on reducing the cost of governance and alleviating the suffering of the citizens.
In his tweet, Obi wrote, “I learnt with great reservation, the approval of a 114% increase in the salaries of elected politicians, including the President, Vice President, governors, lawmakers as well as judicial and public office holders by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). This is not the appropriate time for such salary increment if it is at all necessary. We are living in a time when an average Nigerian is struggling with many harsh economic realities, and with over 130 million Nigerians now living in poverty.”
He continued, emphasising the need for leaders to prioritise the well-being of the masses and those in vulnerable positions rather than focusing on their interests. Obi urged for a reversal of the salary increase, suggesting that the savings be directed towards improving education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, particularly in remote rural areas.
The proposal for the salary boost was announced by the Federal Government through the RMAFC, which defended its decision by stating that the review had taken into account its impact on the economy and aimed to adjust the remuneration of political, public, and judicial officeholders in the country by 114 percent.
