…Warns move could trigger public unrest
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed outrage over decision of the the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to review remuneration packages for political office holders despite widespread criticisms from Nigerians.
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In a statement issued by its President, Joe Ajaero over the weekend, the NLC described the move as insensitive, unjust, and inequitable, arguing it would further widen the economic gap between political elites and ordinary Nigerians, particularly civil servants.
The Congress criticized RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Usman, for attempting to justify what the NLC sees as an ill-timed and unfair proposal.
It warned that turning public office into a means for wealth accumulation, instead of service and sacrifice, could lead to desperation and corruption among aspiring office holders.
According to the NLC, while civil servants face salary freezes and meager wage increases, often capped at 50 percent and subject to resource availability, political office holders have in the past received raises as high as 800 percent, without such restrictions.
The NLC also condemned the uniform pay structure for political office holders across states, despite disparities in the civil service wage structures, calling it discriminatory and unconstitutional.
While acknowledging the importance of fair compensation, the Congress insisted that any wage review must be equitable and transparent.
The workers’ body called for full disclosure of the current earnings of all political office holders, insisting that transparency is essential in any remuneration review process.
It also demanded that the benchmark used for the proposed salary increase be made public to ensure accountability and fairness.
In addition, the NLC urged the Commission to immediately suspend the exercise, warning that moving forward with the proposal could provoke widespread public outrage.
The labour body cautioned that ignoring these concerns might lead to serious social unrest.
“While we recognise the need for good remuneration packages, they should be across board and equitable and not done on the basis of discrimination as that runs contrary to the letter and spirit of our constitution. One of the most heinous crimes against humanity is the institution and promotion of apartheid in any human setting, no matter how subtle,” it stated.
The post Labour slams RMAFC over proposed pay hike for politicians despite public outrage appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
