The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to shelve plans to increase the salaries received by political office holders.
The coalition party recently described the decision as tone-deaf and insensitive to the plight of ordinary Nigerians who keep facing intense economic hardship.
Recall that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is currently considering a review of the salaries of the President, Vice President, governors, and other top officials.
Reacting via a press statement, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said that the move is poorly timed and it proves a glaring disconnect between leaders and citizens.
According to him, while Nigerians continue to struggle with food inflation, high fuel costs, and a discouraging minimum wage, RMAFC cannot be working on increasing the salaries of politicians who are doing nothing to ease the pain felt by innocent citizens.
“Proposing such a review when millions of Nigerians are struggling with soaring food inflation, high fuel costs, and an inadequate minimum wage indicates a total disregard for the people,” he said.
ADC further noted that political leaders already benefit from various allowances that place them far above the nation’s N70,000 minimum wage; therefore, they do not deserve any increment.
The party concluded by condemning the lack of leadership empathy, stressing that government officials should stop demanding sacrifices from citizens when they cannot do the same.
“How else are political office holders able to support their lifestyle of luxury and opulence if indeed these ‘outdated’ salaries mean anything to them?
For perspective, our national minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month, already eroded by inflation. Yet unlike political leaders, most Nigerians do not enjoy additional allowances or emoluments.
As a party, we strongly believe that rather than enriching political elites, all government policies at this time should prioritise raising the minimum wage to a livable standard and reaching the most vulnerable Nigerians,” he added.
