Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, has expressed strong disapproval of the alleged 114% increase in the salaries of political office-holders, judicial officials, and public servants, News About Nigeria reports.
Reports had surfaced claiming that the administration led by President Bola Tinubu had proposed this substantial salary raise for elected politicians, including the President, Vice President, Governors, lawmakers, and judicial and public office holders.
These reports sparked widespread outrage, with numerous Nigerians condemning the actions of the new government.
In response, Peter Obi took to Twitter to emphasize that the timing of such a salary increment was highly inappropriate, particularly when millions of Nigerians were struggling in poverty.
He further highlighted the urgent need for the new government to prioritize reducing the cost of governance and alleviating the suffering of the Nigerian people.
Obi’s tweet conveyed his deep reservations about the approval of the salary increase by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
He argued that the current circumstances did not warrant a salary increment, considering that the average Nigerian was grappling with severe economic challenges and over 130 million citizens were living in poverty.
Additionally, recent government reform measures had significantly escalated living costs.
According to Obi, it was expected that leaders and public officials would focus on cutting the expenses associated with governance and finding ways to uplift Nigerians from poverty.
He quoted a line from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, emphasizing that leaders should prioritize the needs of the masses and those in the lower socio-economic strata above their own interests.
In his view, the leaders should bear the sacrifices required in this critical period for the nation.
Obi called for an immediate reversal of the salary increment, suggesting that the savings be directed towards improving education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, particularly in remote rural areas.
Obi’s stance reflects the concerns of many Nigerians who believe that the government should be channeling its resources and efforts towards addressing the pressing issues facing the country.
