Hikes in politicians’ salaries: 'Don't provoke Nigerians' - Reuben Abati fires presidency

Reuben Abati, a co-host on Arise TV has warned the political class against provoking Nigerians after the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission recommended an upward review in the basic salaries of political and judicial office holders.

Speaking on the morning show on Thursday, June 22, the former PDP Chieftain said that the recent recommendation is insensitive as Nigerians are still grappling with the removal of the fuel subsidy.

He encouraged the executive arm of government not to be tempted to sign this offer.

"Both the TUC and Labour are saying that the move is insensitive. ASUU says we have been asking for decent conditions of service nobody has listened, Labour says you have just removed the fuel subsidy, and Nigerians are suffering. Labour is asking for an increase in minimum wages and no one is talking about it. The last meeting didn't yield anything."

"And in the midst of all this, RMAFC says they want to recommend better salaries for judicial officers and public sector officers. So the reaction to this has to be understandable because what the RMAFC is saying is there is going to be an increase in salaries so it will be a bigger govt and expenditure."

"At a time when Nigerians are suffering they are going to increase salaries for Presidents, Vice Presidents, Governors, Deputy Governors and Board members who will be majorly members of APC."

"I will advise that the executives at the federal and state levels should not be tempted to provoke Nigerians to engage in the insensitive act of including benefits for public office holders at a time when Nigerians can no longer buy airtime tickets, diesel and at a time when people have resorted to trekking marathons."