Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has criticised the proposed review of salaries for political office holders, describing the move as “grossly insensitive” given the economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Falana said the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) appeared disconnected from the plight of ordinary citizens.
“I want to believe that the RMAFC has not taken cognisance of the living standards in the country, particularly the harrowing experience of ordinary people,” Falana stated. “More than 133 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor according to the National Bureau of Statistics. It is therefore insensitive for any agency of government, particularly the RMAFC, to suggest an upward review of the emoluments of public officers.”
The senior advocate urged political leaders to shelve pay hikes and instead share in the sacrifices being borne by citizens struggling to meet basic needs such as food, education, and healthcare.
“This is not the time for public officers to justify increasing their stupendous salaries and allowances. I am very confident that RMAFC will have to review its position so that it does not further provoke the Nigerian people,” he added.
Falana insisted that government attention should be directed towards strengthening social protection and welfare programmes that offer direct relief to vulnerable citizens.
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His comments follow recent disclosures by RMAFC that it was considering an upward review of political office holders’ earnings, which it described as inadequate, outdated, and out of tune with present responsibilities.
The proposal has sparked backlash, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also demanding an immediate halt, branding the plan “insensitive” and “unjust.”
Falana further warned that any review of politicians’ pay must be comprehensive, taking into account self-awarded allowances, estacodes, and security votes, many of which he described as illegal or lacking accountability.
“You cannot in a democracy have funds that are not accounted for,” he cautioned, urging the RMAFC to align its review with court rulings and to work closely with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to ensure fairness between public officers and civil servants.