Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has criticised the proposal by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to increase the salaries of political leaders, describing it as insensitive and scandalous.
In a statement released on his official X handle late Wednesday, August 20, Obi said the move had worsened anger among Nigerians who are already battling economic hardship.
“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,” he wrote.
Obi said the plan exposed the greed of those in power at a time when living standards are deteriorating rapidly.
According to him, “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.”
Describing the commission’s move as reckless, he added, “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!”
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Obi noted that a proposed “over 100% salary increase for political office holders is totally unjustifiable considering the economic realities facing our country.” He stressed that political office should not be a pathway to wealth but a service to the nation.
The former Anambra governor expressed concern that the welfare of security operatives, especially police officers, had been sidelined despite their crucial role.
“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,” he said.
He urged the government to “redirect its focus towards improving the living conditions of public workers, who are the backbone of our country.”
Obi concluded by calling for fairness and a shift in priorities.
“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.”