Former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticizes Nigeria's National Assembly for setting their salaries and allowances, calling it immoral and unethical. He emphasizes that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) should determine public officials' earnings, not the officials themselves. Obasanjo also highlighted the secrecy surrounding lawmakers' significant pay.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently criticized the Nigerian National Assembly for taking it upon themselves to set their salaries and allowances, a practice he described as morally questionable. Hosting a group of House of Representatives members in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) to determine the earnings of public officials, not the officials themselves.
He expressed concern over the various allowances, including personal and discretionary ones, that lawmakers grant themselves, highlighting that such actions go against ethical standards. Obasanjo further pointed out that it is improper for any public official to decide their compensation, labeling it an abuse of power. He also mentioned that the executive branch has, on occasion, provided lawmakers with additional funds they are not entitled to, citing a recent instance where each member received N200 million.
The secrecy surrounding the substantial payments to federal legislators has long been a source of public criticism. In 2018, former Senator Shehu Sani revealed that senators received N13.5 million monthly in running costs, separate from their official salaries, shedding light on the significant financial benefits enjoyed by members of the National Assembly.
