Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has strongly criticized the plan to raise salaries for politicians in Nigeria. The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is reportedly pushing for a pay increase for political leaders, but Obi questioned both the timing and the reasoning behind it.

In a statement on his official X handle, the former Anambra governor described the move as insensitive and greedy, especially at a time when ordinary Nigerians are facing worsening economic conditions. He called it a shameless attempt by leaders to enrich themselves while the majority continues to struggle.

Obi argued that political office should be about service, not personal gain. He said the RMAFC’s decision to focus on rewarding politicians instead of addressing the needs of neglected public workers, particularly underpaid and overworked police officers, was provocative and scandalous.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, reacts and addresses the killing of 27 worshippers in a mosque in Katsina by unidentified bandits.

The former VP reacts on social media where he describes the killings in the country as reaching an “epidemic level” and spoke on the insecurity of the country.

He then proceeds to call out President Bola Tinubu and questions what he has done or what can be done for the level of insecurity to be reduced, stating that a solution is yet to be found.

Nigerians have voiced strong opposition to plans that would raise the salaries of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other top officials, sparking widespread debate across the country.

The proposed increase, under review by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), comes as many citizens face economic challenges, including high inflation and rising living costs. RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Shehu argued that the current salaries, unchanged since 2008, do not reflect the growing responsibilities of these political offices. He noted that the President earns ₦1.5 million monthly while ministers make less than ₦1 million, calling these figures “insufficient” given the scope of their duties.

Despite this justification, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the public. Many Nigerians see the proposal as insensitive, highlighting the struggles of ordinary citizens who contend with low wages and difficult living conditions. Labor unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have described the pay hike as unfair and mistimed, insisting that government attention should prioritize the welfare of the general population rather than increasing the earnings of leaders already in power.

The debate continues as RMAFC evaluates the salary structure. While some argue that political leaders deserve higher pay for their roles, the prevailing sentiment is that any increase should be postponed until the economic situation improves and the needs of everyday Nigerians are addressed.