Nigerians have not failed to marvel at the recent happenings and developments going on in the country, one cannot help but wonder if truly there is any glimpse of light at the end of this tunnel that we have been plunged into, our political leaders have not failed to RUB it on our faces: their insensitivity, arrogance, and lack of empathy.
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The Arise television channel hosted a former Senator; Ishaku Elisha Abbo, who served and represented the Adamawa North senatorial district between 2019-2023, during the course of the interview, the Senator shared his opinion at the interview, he spoke about the current salary of Nigerian lawmakers, which is about 30 million Naira including allowances such as sitting, traveling, wardrobe etcetera and believed that the salary was hardly Enough and shouldn't be seen as a huge sum by the people.
In the past few months, we have seen the Nigerian Labour Congress agitating for a raise in the minimum wage of workers, they had even embarked on a national strike sometime in June this year to get the attention of the Federal government, and after several negotiations, the Senate signed the bill of the new minimum wage of 70,000 Naira, but this is yet to be implemented as workers haven't received payment for the new wages.
I can't help but wonder how the average Nigerian is expected to survive and cater to his needs with a meager sum amidst the current economic hardship in the country. A senator earns about three hundred and forty-eight million Naira annually, and an average worker receives a pay of eight hundred and forty thousand Naira per annum; this shows that the senator earns about four hundred and fourteen times more than an average worker in a year.
Nw, a thing of concern here is how one can comprehend the wide salary difference between both groups; this alone can count as a reason to demotivate an average worker whose pay can not match the cost of living in the country. Little wonder why many venture into politics since it is seen as a business venture with people cashing out without restrictions.
The former Senator, Elisha may be right in thinking that over 29 million Naira may not be much for a Senator in the country today but he has ignorantly turned a blind eye to the minimum wage of the average Nigerian worker; one who is expected to feed, clothe pay school fees/ tuition fees, medical bills and any other necessities from what he earns monthly.
I think the system has exposed our political leaders to a life of Luxury, and it has sponsored their flamboyant lifestyles. that makes it seem as if what they earn isn't enough, and greed sets in, giving rise to corruption. Politics has become so attractive that even if it is looked at as a business organization, its members are paid more than any other organization in the country.
If there are possibilities of reviewing how much a top-ranking official takes home at the end of the month, this will ensure the cut down on extravagant spending done by most prominent figures, especially politicians.
Many political figures today can acquire several properties ALL around the country and beyond; they can invest hugely in so many businesses without worries because they have the means to do so, but an average Nigerian worker does not have such luxury; it probably would take years for him to execute a single project.
While we lament and sorrow about the hardship, these politicians go about their businesses with every sense of pride and confidence. Mr. Bayo Onanuga; the special adviser to the incumbent President (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) on information and strategy shared on his X-account (formerly known as Twitter) the news of the newly acquired private Jet for the presidency, though it is not wrong for the presidency to purchase a Jet to ensure smooth transportation when carrying out official duties it is insensitive to do so when the citizens are lamenting concerning the high cost of living and inflation in the country. If it was so important to purchase the Jet, then the president and his cabinet would have done better by keeping the information away from the general public rather than agitating them.
As a personality on media matters ( information and communication), one needs to know when to withhold certain information, especially when that information can easily become a thing of anxiety, panic, aggression, and other disturbing emotions. We need to know what kind of information is needed and how to relate such information to the public.
Over the past few months, the administration of the current government has not been able to successfully pass soothing information that could have helped curb the hardship faced in the country; their words have shown insensitivity and lack of diplomacy and empathy towards the people they are supposed to serve.
All that the people want is an improved and affordable standard of living and leadership that genuinely cares about the masses.