Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has described the proposed review of salaries for political office holders as “insensitive” given the country’s harsh economic realities.
Speaking yesterday on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Falana faulted the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for suggesting an upward review of emoluments at a time when millions of Nigerians are battling poverty.
According to him, the Commission appears to be disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens who are daily confronted with hardship.
“I want to believe that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission has not taken cognisance of the living standards in the country, particularly the harrowing experience of ordinary people,” he said.
Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the senior advocate reminded that over 133 million Nigerians are classified as multidimensionally poor.
“It is insensitive, therefore, for any agency of government, particularly RMAFC, to suggest an upward review of the emoluments of public officers,” Falana added.
The proposed review has continued to attract public outrage, with many describing it as a misplaced priority at a time when inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living are worsening the plight of citizens.
