Editorial
PTF: Kudos To RSG

For the umpteenth time, Nigeria’s federal structure seems to be on trial following the judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja restraining the Federal Government from further making deductions from the Federation Account to fund its agencies not listed in the 1999 Constitution for direct allocation.
Delivering judgment in a suit instituted by the Rivers State Government to challenge the unlawful deductions from the Federation Account, Justice Ahmed Mohammed held that Sections 161 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution were glaringly breached by the Federal Government in making a direct allocation to the Police Trust Fund (PTF) from the Federation Account.
Mohammed upheld the case against the unjust deduction and ordered that the fund belonging to Rivers State but used to fund the PTF by the Federal Government be refunded accordingly. The judge, however, declined to extend a similar order of refund to the 35 remaining states because they were not parties in the suit, neither did the Rivers State Government file the matter on their behalf.
Following the milestone ruling, the state government has rightly conveyed its preparedness to halt the Federal Government from further deduction from the said account. It is no longer news that a Federal High Court, last year, in Port Harcourt, at the instance of the Rivers State Government, ruled that states, and not the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), should be collecting Value Added Tax (VAT) and Personal Income Tax. The matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court.
The judgment on the PTF has further bolstered the agitation against the customary debasement and misapplication of the 1999 Constitution by the Federal Government, contrary to a correlative relationship under federalism. The ruling further emphasises the demand for restructuring of the country based on the principle of federalism. The court had, by the judgment, given its interpretation of Sections 161 and 162 of the Constitution.
Most of all, the said judgment is a big hit with exponents of a restructured Nigeria where true federalism is the telltale sign. It can only be appealed against and upturned or affirmed by a higher court. Since the provisions of the Constitution on the subject are definitive, we urge the Federal Government to effectuate the ruling rather than appeal against it.
Governor Nyesom Wike, who seems to be spearheading a revolution towards the attainment of true federalism, deserves to be hailed for the initiative. Other governors should do likewise and be enthused as the Rivers Chief Executive. Enough of the Federal Government’s double-dealing. Curiously, the same federal authorities that have consistently denied states the right to own a police force, deduct from them to finance an exclusively federal agency. Shame!
Without exaggeration, the Federal High Court judgements on VAT and PTF exemplify Wike’s avidity to reposition the states and country for greater development. It sends across a tocsin of the contingency of true federalism and social restructuring in the country in the near future. It is comparable to convalescing from the Federal Government all jettisoned rights and privileges domiciled in the states. Fortunately, Wike has become the rat that bells the cat.
Surely, we cannot continue to patronise practices that counterbalance our advancement, impair our potentials and make-believe our corporate perceptiveness. It is time to address ordeals in our country extirpating resourcefulness and personal gumption. Nigeria is called a federal system yet unitary in practice. It is time for a constitutional amendment to reflect our appropriate composition.
Given our political configuration, state and local governments are positioned to compete in terms of vision and idea engendering, creation of a sanctioning environment for investments, strategic resource management, human capital and infrastructural development, politics, and best electoral practices, leading to the greater exhilaration of the people. Therefore, Nigerians must nudge from their insentience and clutch true federalism.
Now that the Rivers State governor has exposed other governors and indeed Nigerians to the illegalities of the VAT and PTF deductions, let the state governments and relevant stakeholders, regardless of party allegiance; hound the matters to their logical conclusion. Surprisingly, the state governors are reticent on the issues Wike challenges in court.
Despite the enormous monies ostensibly domiciled in the PTF, the question of parsimonious funds for training and other operational exigencies remains a major challenge for the police, raising the crucial question of corruption in the administration of the funds. Recently, rights activist and lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, called for an examen into the funds deducted from the Federation Account and remitted to the PTF which he said had not been utilised to equip and train the police.
On the stated reason of lack of funds, citizens are daily extorted by police officers while carrying out their basic duties. A myriad of ordinary Nigerians struggling to make ends meet as drivers, traders, or shopkeepers are crossed by armed police officers, who request bribes and commit human rights abuses against them. Those who decline to compromise are again and again threatened with arrest and physical harm. Far too often, these threats are carried out.
We denounce vehemently the role of the members of the National Assembly who, though are constitutionally commissioned to enact laws, went far beyond their powers in legislating the Police Trust Fund Act by contravening the obvious provisions of the Constitution. It is incumbent upon the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, the Offices of the Accountant-General, and the Attorney General, who were principal parties in the case, to prevail on Mr President to heed the judgment.
Editorial
No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike
Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.
What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.
According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.
The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?
In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.
We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.
The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.
Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.
Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.
Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.
This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.
Editorial
No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike
Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.
What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.
According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.
The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?
In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.
We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.
The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.
Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.
Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.
Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.
This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.
Editorial
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