Proposed pay rise for political officeholders an affront on suffering Nigerians, says Olajengbesi

Pelumi Olajengbesi, a human rights lawyer, has condemned the plan to increase salaries of political officeholders in Nigeria.

On Tuesday, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), proposed a review of the salaries which would see the president, vice-president, governors, and other top government officials receive substantial pay raises.

Olajengbesi described the development as a stark display of insensitivity amid widespread economic hardship.

He criticised the ruling class for its “self-centredness, greed and unfeeling attitude” towards Nigerians struggling with the fallout from the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates.

“The announcement is an affront to the suffering of the Nigerian masses who have endured starvation and intense economic pressure since the removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023. It is a disrespect to middle-class Nigerians whose eating formula has changed from three meals per day to zero to one meal,” he said.

He highlighted the stark contrast between the proposed pay rise and the plight of average workers earning the minimum wage of N70,000.

“It is insulting to the average Nigerian worker that senators and house of representatives members, who already earn jumbo pay monthly, are being considered for a pay increase,” he added.

Citing disclosures from 2024, Olajengbesi said some senators earn between N13 million and N21 million monthly, with Yakubu Dogara, former speaker of the house of representatives, reportedly receiving N25 million monthly.

He also referenced claims that senators receive hundreds of millions in constituency project allocations annually.

“It is utterly unthinkable that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) would consider increasing the salaries and allowances of political officeholders who already rake in millions and billions yearly,” he said.

Olajengbesi urged political officeholders to reject the proposed pay rise “if they have any modicum of honour left in them”.