The Labour Party has strongly criticised the chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mohammed Shehu, for defending the proposed salary increase for politicians.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the party’s interim national publicity secretary, Tony Akeni, described the planned increment as an affront to Nigerians and a demonstration of misplaced priorities at a time when citizens are struggling with economic hardship.
Akeni said the decision reflects insensitivity to the plight of ordinary workers, many of whom are battling to survive on the recently approved minimum wage of ₦70,000, which he described as grossly inadequate under current economic conditions. He warned that ignoring the welfare of workers while focusing on the comfort of politicians could provoke resentment and deepen inequality in the country.
“The alleged pay rise for politicians is an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians,” Akeni stated, urging citizens to resist what he called entrenched corruption and elite greed. He added that the struggle for accountability and fairness must be seen as a collective responsibility to safeguard the interests of future generations.
He also linked the issue to the approaching 2027 general elections, stressing that Nigerians must be united in holding leaders accountable. According to him, the election would represent a decisive moment for the country. “As the 2027 elections approach, LP urges Nigerians to stand together to rescue Nigeria from what it described as a government consumed by greed and corruption. The upcoming elections is a battle for survival, hence we call for unity in the fight for a better future for the country,” he said.
