Whatever it is, this package is unsustainable; it will finally nail the coffin of state economy which is already in comatose
The N200 million severance package approved for two-term governors in Nigeria by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, is inexplicable in all rational terms. To contemplate such outlandish package is not only unfair to Nigerian workers who have repeatedly demanded wage increase without success, but also to all tax-payers who deserve better infrastructure. Conservatively, this allocation translates into N14.4 billion for the 36 state governors from 1999 to date. This is the most callous and insensitive decision made in recent times by a body set up in the interest of the public to justifiably mediate in matters relating to the wages of public servants. It is unthinkable that RMAFC, a commission whose membership is constituted by Nigerians should be allocating such reckless package. It is pertinent to state that most Nigerians live on about a dollar per day, which explains why the majority struggles to eat once daily.
RMAFC approved 400 per cent of basic annual salary payable in six years as vehicle loan for governors; Senators get 150 per cent of basic salaries; and 300 per cent of furniture allowance. Sincerely, the approval contradicts the mood of Nigerians at present and also indicates the Commission’s disrespect for the people. To say the least, it is a subtle way of saying that nobody can do anything about it. It is sad that those who should understand the peculiar mess of the state of Nigeria’s economy and also listen to people’s cries as they anxiously demand the payment of their meager salaries, are doing this. In a country where roads are bad, hospitals are without drugs, salaries are not paid, and a host of others, RMAFC should tell Nigerians what these public servants have done to deserve this economy-crushing package. They need to educate us on the criteria they used in fixing the jumbo pay because governors, for example, dictate the tune in their states and get almost everything for free at the expense of the state. Besides, simple logic dictates that every package should be a reflection of the state’s purse as well as the socio-political realities in the country.
Teachers and Labour unions have gone on strike on several occasions to press home their demand for a pay rise. But their state governors have continually sung a song of ‘no funds’. For instance, when teachers demanded a pay rise recently, their governors told them that the economic realities on ground would not make them accede to the request for salary increase, and so, the teachers were made to accept 27.5 per cent increase only. The governors who asked teachers to be reasonable in their demand are today acting contrary to their advice. Or could the commission have acted under the influence of some of the potential beneficiaries? Whatever it is, this package is unsustainable; it will finally nail the coffin of their state’s economy which is already in comatose. It is a pity that Nigeria lacks selfless representatives as, those who are in positions of authority are just for themselves and their family members only.
