Nigerians are currently bearing the brunt of the harsh economic consequences, along with the immense burden of excruciating and crushing poverty, as well as widespread insecurity across the nation.
The One Love Foundation (OLF), a Civil Society Organization, took a stand on Monday, demanding a downward revision of the salaries and perks received by members of the National Assembly (NASS) and State governors.
Chief Patrick Eholor, the President and Founder of One Love Foundation (OLF) expressed strong disapproval of the exorbitant salaries and allowances received by members of the National Assembly (NASS).
This revelation came to light through an investigation conducted by a media organization, shedding light on the extent of financial benefits enjoyed by NASS members every month.
Eholor emphasized that it is utterly unacceptable for NASS members to receive such inflated remuneration and perks, especially when the core civil servants find themselves trapped in abject poverty and deep frustration.
Furthermore, he highlighted the ongoing struggle faced by civil servants in receiving their gratuity, which has become a burdensome and protracted process.
It is disheartening to note that these civil servants are currently earning a meager sum of N30,000 as the minimum wage, which is insufficient to support their basic needs and sustain their livelihoods.
He emphasized that once this adjustment is made, Nigeria will embark on a new era where the salaries of civil servants surpass the remuneration and benefits received by political officeholders.
However, he pointed out that political officeholders deliberately keep their own salaries, allowances, and incentives hidden, diverting attention away from the inadequate wages of civil servants. Instead, they divert resources towards various committees tasked with reviewing the civil servants’ salaries.
He stated, “It is evident to all that the plundering of our beloved nation, Nigeria, commences with those occupying the highest positions of power.”
The constant focus on the salary of an ordinary civil servant seems to overshadow the fact that senators, legislators, and governors also receive salaries. However, we seldom discuss their earnings because the specific figures remain undisclosed, and they never delve into the specifics of their remuneration.
It is perplexing to comprehend how a single individual can earn nearly N2.5 million as a basic salary, in addition to various incentives, while having nothing tangible to show for it. Meanwhile, the average Nigerian struggles to make ends meet with a minimum wage of just N30,000.
In the meantime, it is important to note that these senators possess the authority to enact laws, as outlined in Chapter 1, Section 4, of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
However, if we reflect on recent years, it becomes evident that the laws they have been enacting do not prioritize the welfare of the average citizen but rather serve their own interests.
The image provided indicates that they receive a hardship allowance equivalent to 50 percent of their basic salary. I am still grappling with the concept of such an allowance. How can someone receive an allowance specifically designated for hardship?
We, ordinary Nigerians, continue to endure the same hardships repeatedly, yet we persevere without any form of allowance.
Furthermore, the furniture allowance granted to these individuals amounts to a staggering 300 percent of their basic salary. One cannot help but wonder about the purpose of such an allowance.
Allow me to illustrate the significance of this 300 percent by using the figure of N2.4 million. This translates to a substantial sum of N7.2 million.
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