According to Independent Nigeria, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the current state of the National Assembly, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of leading a legislative body that bypasses the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) when determining its salaries and allowances.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku criticized the high salaries and allowances allocated to lawmakers, especially in a country where many citizens are grappling with poverty, hunger, and insecurity.
Atiku’s comments followed recent revelations by Senator Sumaila Kawu, who disclosed that his monthly allowances total N21 million, in addition to a salary of about N1 million.
This disclosure has sparked public outrage and seemingly confirmed earlier allegations by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who criticized the National Assembly, under Akpabio’s leadership, for unilaterally setting its remuneration in violation of Nigerian laws.
The former Vice President stressed that the responsibility for setting public officials’ salaries and allowances lies solely with the RMFAC, not the National Assembly. He urged the RMFAC to enforce the law, particularly in light of the legislative body’s apparent disregard for the legal framework governing public sector remuneration.
Atiku described the actions of the National Assembly under Akpabio’s leadership as not only unlawful but also insensitive to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
In his statement, Atiku also mentioned the recent #EndBackGovernanceProtest, where Nigerians protested for ten days against what they perceive as poor governance.
He connected the protest to the growing dissatisfaction among the public, which he believes is fueled by the widening gap between the political elite and the masses. Atiku pointed out that the lavish pay packages enjoyed by lawmakers starkly contrast with the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.
He stated: “It’s the responsibility of the RMFAC to step up and enforce the law regarding the salaries and allowances of public officials. Akpabio and his group should understand why hungry and rightfully angry Nigerians took to the streets for 10 days during the #EndBackGovernanceProtest to demand better governance.”
