Peter Obi Criticizes Proposed Salary Increase For Political Office Holders

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has condemned the proposed salary increase for political leaders, describing it as unfair and insensitive given the country’s current economic challenges.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) had announced on Tuesday that it was considering reviewing salaries for the president, vice-president, governors, and other senior government officials.

Reacting in a statement shared on his X page Wednesday night, Peter Obi said the proposal was “provocative and insensitive,” stressing that it shows a lack of concern for the suffering majority of Nigerians.

The former Anambra state governor argued that pushing for over a 100 percent salary hike for politicians while citizens face worsening living conditions reflects greed and misplaced priorities.

“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,” the statement reads.

“Such thinking in the face of rapidly eroding living standards 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 officeholders 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 officeholders over that of security personnel, particularly police officers who are grossly underpaid and overworked.”

He urged the government to direct resources toward improving the welfare of workers and addressing the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians rather than prioritising politicians.

Obi also “called on the RMAFC to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians, particularly those in the public service, who have been neglected for far too long.”

KanyiDaily recalls that President Tinubu’s aide, Dele Alake previously said his principal has not approved salary increase for political and judicial office holders.