Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has slammed the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for proposing a salary increase for politicians and senior government officials.
Obi described the idea as both “insensitive” and “scandalous,” arguing that it shows how disconnected Nigeria’s political class has become from the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are hungry, when young people can’t find jobs, and families are drowning under rising costs, how can leaders even think of paying themselves more?” Obi asked, stressing that the focus should instead be on cutting the cost of governance and channeling funds into education, healthcare, and jobs.
The criticism has triggered widespread anger online. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Nigerians are blasting the proposal with trending hashtags such as #NoToSalaryHike and #LeadersAreGreedy, accusing politicians of being self-serving while ignoring the suffering masses.
Civil society groups are also warning that the move could push people to the streets in protest, describing it as a dangerous gamble in a country already under severe economic pressure.
With Obi’s voice added to the chorus of discontent, pressure is mounting on RMAFC and the Tinubu-led government to abandon the salary hike or risk nationwide backlash.
