Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has frowned at the move to increase the salary of political leaders in the country.
Obi said that such a move is tantamount to prioritising leaders’ greed over the basic welfare of the citizens who are groaning.
The Labour Party leader, writing on his X handle, noted that “The recent proposal by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to increase the salaries of Political Leaders is causing widespread anger and bitterness among Nigerians, and we share the concerns of many Nigerians who question the necessity and timing of this proposal.
“Such thinking in the face of faster-eroding living standards of the people not only portrays the insensitivity of leaders but also exposes their greed.
“The RMAFC’s reckless haste in prioritising the greed of politicians over the desperate needs of the masses is not only provocative but scandalous. It’s a shameless grab for more at the expense of Nigeria’s struggling majority!
“The proposed over 100% salary increase for political office holders is totally unjustifiable considering the economic realities facing our country.
“We believe that political office is a service to the nation, and not a means to accumulate wealth.
“It is very disturbing that the RMAFC is prioritising the welfare of political office holders over that of security personnel, particularly police officers who are grossly underpaid and overworked. We urge the government to redirect its focus towards improving the living conditions of public workers, who are the backbone of our country.
“We call on the RMAFC to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians, particularly those in the public service, who have been neglected for far too long.”
A new Nigeria is POssible.
Signed
Ibrahim Umar
POMR Spokesman
