Reverend Father Mbaka says Nigerian senators and representatives to earn salaries aligned with the national minimum wage of N62,000. Mbaka’s proposal comes amid growing public discontent over the disparity between the earnings of politicians and the average Nigerian worker.
Reverend Mbaka, known for his influential role in Nigerian society, emphasized the urgent need for economic equity. Speaking at a public gathering in Enugu, he said that lawmakers should also experience the financial constraints faced by ordinary Nigerians to better understand and address their needs. “If our lawmakers earn the same minimum wage as the common man, they will be more empathetic and motivated to create policies that improve the living standards of all citizens,” Mbaka stated.
Currently, Nigerian lawmakers are among the highest-paid in the world, with significant allowances and perks that far exceed the minimum wage. This disparity has long been a source of contention and has fueled public frustration over perceived governmental insensitivity to the struggles of everyday Nigerians. Mbaka’s suggestion resonates with a significant portion of the populace who believe that lawmakers’ earnings should reflect the economic realities of the country.
The cleric’s call aligns with broader demands for political and economic reforms in Nigeria. There is a growing movement advocating for transparency and accountability in government, and aligning lawmakers’ salaries with the minimum wage is seen as a step towards achieving these goals.
Mbaka’s proposal has sparked discussions across various sectors, with many citizens and civil society groups expressing support. However, it is expected to face stiff resistance from lawmakers who benefit from the current salary structure. Whether this proposal will gain traction and lead to tangible policy changes remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly highlights the pressing issue of economic inequality in Nigeria.
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