Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Mr Peter Obi, has strongly criticised the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) over its proposal to increase the salaries of political office holders by more than 100 per cent.
In a statement released on Wednesday night through his official X handle, Obi described the plan as a “shameless grab for more” at a time when ordinary Nigerians are struggling to survive. He said the proposal was “totally unjustifiable” and further exposed what he called the “greed and insensitivity” of the country’s political leaders.
According to him, the RMAFC’s move has already generated widespread anger across the country. He stressed that Nigerians were questioning the necessity and timing of such an increment, especially when inflation, unemployment, and poverty levels are worsening.
“The recent proposal by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to increase the salaries of political leaders is causing widespread anger and bitterness among Nigerians, and we share the concerns of many Nigerians who question the necessity and timing of this proposal,” Obi stated.
He said that such a decision, in the face of worsening living standards, portrays leadership as being out of touch with reality. Obi noted that it was provocative and scandalous for government officials to prioritise the comfort of political leaders above the needs of the masses.
“The RMAFC’s reckless haste in prioritising the greed of politicians over the desperate needs of the masses is not only provocative but scandalous. It’s a shameless grab for more at the expense of Nigeria’s struggling majority,” Obi added.
The former Anambra State Governor explained that political leadership is about service and not self-enrichment. He insisted that those in positions of power must always prioritise the welfare of the people, especially at a time when many families are unable to meet basic needs.
“The proposed over 100% salary increase for political office holders is totally unjustifiable considering the economic realities facing our country. Political office is a service to the nation, not a means to accumulate wealth,” he stressed.
Obi further expressed disappointment that the RMAFC was focusing on improving the welfare of politicians while neglecting the plight of security personnel and civil servants. He said the majority of public workers, particularly police officers, are grossly underpaid, overworked, and exposed to constant risks while politicians continue to enjoy massive perks.
“It is very disturbing that the RMAFC is prioritising the welfare of political office holders over that of security personnel, particularly police officers who are grossly underpaid and overworked,” he said.
Obi urged the government and the commission to rethink their priorities and focus on policies that would improve the living standards of average Nigerians. He maintained that the nation’s resources should be channeled towards critical areas like health, education, infrastructure, and workers’ welfare, rather than expanding the comfort of politicians.
He also called on the RMAFC to address the long-standing neglect of civil servants, teachers, doctors, and other essential workers who form the backbone of the Nigerian economy. According to him, increasing salaries for politicians at a time when the majority are facing hardship would only deepen the inequality gap and worsen the trust deficit between the leaders and the citizens.
“The government must redirect its focus towards improving the living conditions of public workers, who are the backbone of the country. RMAFC should prioritise the welfare of Nigerians, particularly those in the public service, who have been neglected for far too long,” Obi said.
His statement adds to the growing criticisms from civil society groups, labour unions, and citizens, who have all condemned the proposed salary increment. Many argue that the government should focus on addressing poverty, food insecurity, and the rising cost of living, instead of approving fresh benefits for political leaders.
As debates around the proposal continue, it remains unclear whether the Federal Government will back the commission’s plan. For now, Obi’s intervention reflects the frustration of many Nigerians who believe the political class is disconnected from the realities of the people they govern.
