Ohanaeze Ndigbo Describes RMAFC’s Proposed Salary Increase For Politicians As Reckless Invitation To Anarchy 

KINGSLEY EBERE 

The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has kicked against and described the proposal for salary increase by the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for politicians as reckless and invitation to anarchy in Nigeria. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the group also made an urgent call for downward review and reduction of politicians salaries to avoid looming rebellion like witnessed in Kenya and Venezuela.

This was contained in the press release by the group signed by their Deputy National President General,  Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro  and National Spokesman, Chief Chimereze Thompson Ohia respectively.

It stated:

“In light of the current socio-economic realities that beset our nation, the Apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, feels compelled to convey, with utmost urgency and unequivocal clarity, a profoundly critical message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

“We hereby implore the President to immediately halt any proposed salary increase for political office holders—including the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, and lawmakers.”

“To proceed with such an initiative would not only be a misguided decision but also a perilous descent into vulnerability against the machinations of the administration’s adversaries, potentially inciting the ire of an already aggrieved and impoverished populace.”

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, grounded in both respect and candor, calls upon President Tinubu to honor the 2021 Federal High Court ruling delivered by Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor.”

“This ruling mandated the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to review and reduce the exorbitant salaries of legislators, ensuring they reflect Nigeria’s pressing economic realities. The RMAFC lacks the unrestricted constitutional authority, statutory mandate, or discretionary power to unilaterally escalate the salaries of high-ranking officials. Such a move would be a gross misapplication of its rights and responsibilities.”

“It is imperative that this reality is articulated and conveyed to the Presidency regardless of the discomfort it may cause within certain quarters. The RMAFC’s current trajectory has instigated a firestorm of discontent that, if unaddressed by the Presidency, risks spiraling into an uncontrollable rebellion. The socio-economic climate in Nigeria is precarious; our citizens are hungry and filled with anger over the ongoing hardship. The Federal Government’s proposal to increase the salaries of politicians at this juncture serves as a chilling invitation to chaos and anarchy.”

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly advocates for the immediate implementation of Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor’s 2021 Federal High Court verdict concerning the necessary downward review and slashing of the extravagant salaries allocated to Nigerian politicians. It is of the utmost importance that the Presidency demonstrates genuine empathy, showcasing commitment to being part of the austere economic measures that negatively affect the daily lives of average Nigerians.”

“If the Federal Government adheres to the RMAFC’s recommendation to raise politicians’ salaries, amid overwhelming public outcry about prevailing hardships, we warn that Nigeria may find itself engulfed in civil unrest reminiscent of the youth riots in Kenya and the revolutions that have swept through Venezuela. Such an outcome would undoubtedly empower opposition coalitions to assert that this government is utterly oblivious to the suffering and struggles of its citizens.”

“In conclusion, the responsibility to act decisively and judiciously lies with the administration. We must not allow greed and disregard for the populace to dictate our collective destiny. We urge President Tinubu to navigate this pivotal moment with wisdom and foresight, lest we succumb to the pitfalls of history that have befallen others” the group stated.