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Controversy Deepens As RMAFC Defends Politicians’ Lavish Pay Packages
Controversy Deepens As RMAFC Defends Politicians Lavish Pay Packages....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The recent statement by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) regarding the salaries of National Assembly members and political office holders has sparked outrage. RMAFC Chairman, Muhammed Shehu, stated that these public officeholders do not receive exorbitant salaries, refuting the notion that their incomes are excessive. He explained that what might appear as substantial earnings are, in fact, operational costs associated with running their offices, which should ideally be managed centrally by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC).
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Furthermore, Shehu mentioned that a planned 114 percent salary increase for politicians and public officeholders had been postponed due to economic challenges. He emphasized that there had been no salary review since 2007 and that political officeholders’ compensation was not as extravagant as some Nigerians believed.
However, despite Shehu’s clarification, there has been widespread condemnation of the proposed salary increments. Various organizations and individuals have voiced their concerns:
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) finds the pay raise for public office holders unacceptable and unjustifiable, especially in a country grappling with high governance costs. They emphasize that these officials seem more interested in self-aggrandizement than serving the people.
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) believes that while it is important to provide competitive salaries for political office holders to discourage corruption, fairness and equity should guide salary allocation. They argue that the substantial wage gap in the public sector is demotivating and could lead to other societal issues.
Activist Annkio-Briggs is horrified by the prospect of increased salaries for political office holders, given Nigeria’s economic challenges, including a weak currency and soaring foreign debt. She points out that some of these officials represent the Niger-Delta, a significant source of the country’s revenue, yet their actions do not reflect the people’s suffering.
The Labour Party (LP) expresses disappointment that the government, which advises Nigerians to adopt austerity measures and be patient, is simultaneously pushing for higher benefits for political officeholders. They argue that the focus should be on improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians and reducing government waste.
Former lawmaker Abdul Oroh supports the idea of a living wage for all, regardless of their position in public service. He argues that low wages contribute to corruption and suggests a comprehensive review of salaries for various categories of public servants to curb corruption and provide incentives for hard work.
In summary, the RMAFC’s statement defending the proposed salary increments for National Assembly members and political office holders has generated widespread criticism, with many expressing concerns about fairness, government priorities, and the economic well-being of ordinary Nigerians.
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
The Presidency has criticised former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership ability and accusing him of failing to manage internal crises within the Labour Party (LP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) on Monday.
Dare argued that Obi did not found the Labour Party and does not have full control over its structure, adding that his handling of party disputes raises concerns about his leadership capacity.
He further alleged that Obi has shown a pattern of moving between political platforms rather than resolving internal challenges, insisting that he “cannot fix” his own party.
Dare said the Labour Party’s internal crisis had been visible for years and questioned Obi’s level of involvement in resolving it, suggesting that he instead left the party amid the turmoil.
He stated that such leadership qualities should be scrutinised given national responsibilities, adding, “You cannot fix your party.”
The presidential aide also addressed claims linking the Presidency to the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting any involvement and insisting the party’s internal issues were not influenced by the federal government.
He maintained that the ADC situation is already before the courts and should be resolved through judicial processes rather than public agitation or political pressure.
Dare urged all parties involved to respect ongoing legal proceedings, stressing that court decisions would ultimately determine the outcome of the disputes.
He added that the government remains committed to respecting the judiciary and warned against attempts to influence public opinion while cases are still being decided.
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