Peter Obi slams salary hike proposal for political leaders, calling it unjust, greedy, and insensitive to Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis
Peter Obi slams salary hike in a bold statement that has stirred both public outrage and national debate.
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The former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader lashed out at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for proposing an over 100% salary increase for political office holders.
In a strongly worded post on X, formerly Twitter, Obi criticised the proposal as a shameless and provocative move that betrays the trust of struggling Nigerians.
“It’s a shameless grab for more at the expense of Nigeria’s struggling majority,” he said.
Obi didn’t mince words in condemning the Commission’s timing and intent.
He described the move as a “reckless haste” that prioritises elite comfort over the survival of ordinary citizens facing skyrocketing inflation and dwindling income.
“Such thinking in the face of faster-eroding living standards of the people not only portrays the insensitivity of leaders but also exposes their greed.”
The statement comes as growing frustration spreads among Nigerians grappling with economic uncertainty, fuel price hikes, and food inflation.
Reaffirming his stance, Obi insisted that political office should be a platform for service, not a gateway to wealth.
“Political office is a service to the nation and not a means to accumulate wealth,” he wrote.
He criticised the RMAFC for overlooking the plight of poorly paid workers—especially security personnel like the police—who risk their lives daily under intense pressure.
Peter Obi called on the government and RMAFC to redirect attention toward the real needs of the people, especially civil servants and frontline workers.
“We believe RMAFC must prioritise the welfare of Nigerians, particularly those in the public service, who have been neglected for far too long,” he urged.
The proposed pay hike has triggered national backlash, with many viewing it as a tone-deaf move amid deepening poverty and fiscal strain.
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Obi’s voice adds credibility and urgency to the growing public demand for leadership that places people first.
