ABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised the proposal by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to increase the salaries of political office holders, describing it as ‘insensitive and unconscionable’ given Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Vanguard on Wednesday in Abuja, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, expressed outrage over the proposal, saying it reflects a complete disconnect between the political elite and the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
Osadolor drew attention to the severe economic pressures facing the country, including skyrocketing inflation, the collapsing value of the naira, and the soaring cost of basic goods.
He noted that the recently approved minimum wage of ₦70,000 is grossly inadequate, citing the example of a bag of rice now costing about ₦100,000, meaning an average worker would need two months’ salary to buy just one.
“It is highly insensitive for such an issue to be raised in the midst of hunger, suffering, inflation, and the collapse of our naira,” he said.
He also compared Nigeria’s economic decline to that of its neighbour, Benin Republic, pointing out that ₦15 million is equivalent to 5.6 million CFA francs.
“Is RMAFC aware that under President Tinubu’s watch, the value of life for Nigerians is almost worthless? Even Benin Republic now has a stronger currency than ours. If this is not enough reason for Tinubu’s economic team to resign in shame, I don’t know what else should move them,” Osadolor remarked.
The PDP youth leader accused the political class of indulging in extravagant allowances and foreign estacodes running into hundreds of millions, while ordinary citizens struggle to afford essentials such as food, firewood, and pepper.
“I am not surprised by this unholy intention to increase their own salaries. It is ‘criminal: and unconscionable. How can a man with a family survive on ₦70,000? He cannot even buy rice, talk less of tomatoes, pepper, or seasoning. Meanwhile, politicians enjoy hundreds of millions in perks and overheads. Yet they are shamelessly talking about salary increments,” he said.
Osadolor also criticised the National Assembly and the Presidency, arguing that instead of setting a moral example, they encourage excess.
“In a sane society, even making such a proposal would have forced resignations. But here, they will be applauded in the National Assembly and in the Villa. These are institutions that should be moral examples to Nigerians,” he added.
Instead of pay rises, Osadolor urged for cost-cutting and accountability.
“At this time of economic crisis, they should be talking about downsizing and cutting the overheads of the Presidency and the bogus amounts wasted in the National Assembly on frivolities, not increasing salaries for themselves,” he added.
Leave a Reply