The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Ebonyi chapter, and other stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to prioritise the security and welfare of Nigerians rather than pursue a salary increase for political office holders.
They made the call in separate interviews with correspondents on Monday in Abakaliki, while reacting to a proposal by the National Assembly to raise the salaries and allowances of top government functionaries.
The stakeholders described the move as insensitive and unjustifiable in light of Nigeria’s economic challenges, noting that the N70,000 minimum wage has already been eroded by inflation.
Prof. Egwu Oguguo, Chairman of NLC in Ebonyi and lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, said the plan was “anti-people and against the law of natural justice.”
“It is insensitive for government to consider raising the pay of officials while citizens are struggling to survive. Such an increase will only widen inequality, fuel social vices and provoke public anger,” Oguguo said.
Similarly, Prof. Fidelis Ochim of Federal University, Lafia, said the proposal was a disservice to Nigerians enduring hardship caused by economic mismanagement.
“The state’s duty is to ensure the welfare and security of its citizens, not prioritise the comfort of a privileged few,” he said.
In the same vein, Abakaliki-based lawyer, Mr. Chidi Ude, argued that Nigerian political leaders are already among the highest paid globally, while civil servants and pensioners remain owed arrears.
“The proposed pay rise lacks justification and could further cripple the economy,” Ude said.
Ms. Angela Nwafor, Coordinator of the Civil Society Coalition for Good Governance, said the plan reinforced the perception that the political class was disconnected from citizens’ realities.
“Nigeria’s democracy is endangered when governance serves less than one per cent of the population. Leadership should not prioritise self-interest while neglecting infrastructure, health, and education,” she said.
The stakeholders urged government to drop the idea of increasing political office holders’ salaries and instead channel resources into reviving the economy, raising workers’ pay, and addressing insecurity.
They warned that continued insensitivity to the plight of citizens could trigger social unrest.
(NAN)
