CUPP urges RMAFC to rethink salary increment for politicians amid economic hardship

By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja –

Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called on the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to reconsider its plan to increase salaries for political officeholders in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, CUPP Secretary Chief Peter Ameh emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, particularly public servants, who have been overlooked for too long.

Ameh expressed concerns shared by many citizens about the timing and justification of the proposed salary increase.

“Raising salaries for political officeholders by 114 percent is not only unwarranted but also insensitive given the economic challenges Nigerians face,” he stated.

He questioned the decision to focus on the financial interests of public officials when the needs of the broader population remain unaddressed.

The CUPP leader stressed that political positions should be about serving the nation, not personal enrichment. “Public office is a call to serve, not a pathway to wealth accumulation,” Ameh remarked.

He also highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding the current earnings of political officeholders, noting that their substantial allowances and benefits, funded by public resources, fuel widespread distrust.

Ameh urged the government to shift its focus to improving the welfare of public workers, whom he described as the backbone of the nation.

“The government must act swiftly to address these concerns and prioritize the well-being of its citizens,” he concluded, underscoring the urgency of the matter.