Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has fiercely criticized the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) over its proposal to increase the salaries of political leaders by more than 100 percent.
In a statement on Wednesday night, Obi described the move as “provocative, scandalous, and insensitive”, warning that it has already sparked widespread anger and bitterness among Nigerians, who are questioning both its necessity and timing.
Obi argued that the proposal reflects the greed and detachment of political leaders from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
“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”, he wrote.
He further lambasted the RMAFC’s decision as a reckless prioritization of politicians’ welfare over the desperate needs of the masses.
“It’s a shameless grab for more at the expense of Nigeria’s struggling majority”, he added.
The former governor of Anambra State stressed that the proposed salary hike is completely unjustifiable given the harsh economic conditions gripping the country.
He reminded leaders that political office is meant to be a service to the nation, not a means of accumulating wealth.
“We believe that political office is a service to the nation, and not a means to accumulate wealth”, Obi insisted.
Obi also highlighted the neglect of critical public workers, including security personnel and civil servants, whose sacrifices keep the country functioning.
He particularly decried the plight of police officers, who remain “grossly underpaid and overworked” while politicians continue to enjoy excessive privileges.
“The RMAFC’s focus on the welfare of political office holders over public workers is deeply disturbing”, he said.
While calling on the RMAFC to withdraw the proposal, Obi urged the government to redirect its attention toward improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians, especially public servants and security personnel, who he said have been “neglected for far too long.”
He concluded by emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize the welfare of the majority over the comfort of a privileged few.