The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately halt what it described as the “unlawful and unconstitutional” pay rise for political and public office holders in Nigeria.
The organisation specifically urged the President to reject the proposed salary increase for the President, Vice President, governors, deputies, and members of the National Assembly, insisting that such a move undermines public interest amid worsening economic hardship.
SERAP Demands Suspension of Politicians’ Salary Increase
In a weekend letter signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP appealed to President Tinubu to direct the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to suspend the planned salary hike.
SERAP further urged him to encourage other political leaders, including the Vice President, governors, deputies, and federal lawmakers, to also reject the increment.
The group also asked the President to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to enforce compliance with an earlier court judgment delivered by Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor, which directed the RMAFC to review downward the salaries and allowances of lawmakers to reflect Nigeria’s economic realities.
RMAFC Accused of Abuse of Power
SERAP argued that the RMAFC’s constitutional mandate does not grant it “unrestrained powers” to arbitrarily increase salaries of public officials.
“Instead of cutting the salaries of political office holders in line with the current economic situation, the RMAFC is unjustifiably raising them. This is unconstitutional and contrary to the principles of transparency and accountability,” SERAP stated.
The body maintained that suspending the pay rise would serve the legitimate public interest, especially at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with inflation, rising fuel prices, and widespread poverty.
Public Pressure Against Politicians’ Salary Hike
The call by SERAP adds to growing public criticism of the alleged salary increment for Nigerian politicians, which many Nigerians view as insensitive and unjustifiable given the nation’s economic challenges.
Analysts say the decision now rests with President Tinubu, who faces increasing pressure to prioritize policies that reduce governance costs and improve public welfare.
