Editorial
Of APC, FG And Defections
Last week Tuesday, about 13 Senators and 37 House of Representatives members put to rest months of speculations across the political spectrum amid heightening tensions in the nation’s governance structure when they dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two other parties.
The lawmakers, in separate letters to the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, said that, “after due consultation with our constituents and stakeholders,” they have resolved to dump the APC. They cited Section 68 (1g) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended and the factionalisation of the APC as the key reason for their defection.
The defectors are said to be the first set of aggrieved National Assembly members, who have often expressed dissenting voices over the APC leadership’s lack of focus, impunity and failure to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
But the gale of defections in the National Assembly was not the only nail on the coffin of the APC. On the same day, majority of the Kano State House of Assembly members on the platform of the APC decamped to PDP. Barely 24 hours later, the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, at a meeting with local government chairmen and state House of Assembly members, also announced that he was dumping the APC for the PDP, despite a series of conciliatory parleys with APC top leaders in Makurdi, the state capital and the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Even as those developments triggered anxiety in the ruling party, Sokoto and Kwara State Governors, Aminu Tambuwal and AbdulFatah Ahmed, respectively, hinted of plans to leave the APC for a better focused party in days, mainly due to factionalisation and lack of internal democracy. News filtered yesterday that the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Kwara State Governor have defected to the PDP.
We particularly condemn the commando-style siege on the residences of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, as an act of impunity taken too far. In fact, that the police, and indeed, the executive arm of government tried but failed to undermine the open expression of distaste and lack of faith in the APC-led Federal Government through the instrumentality of the security agencies is enough sign-post to what the ruling party should expect in 2019.
Instructively, The Tide reckons that the spate of massive defections from the APC constitutes a clear signal of the populace’s dissatisfaction with the APC-led Federal Government. This can evidently be deduced from the speeches of the defectors, who claimed that they took the decision to dump APC after painstaking consultations with their majorly underserved constituents across the country. We agree no less.
Indeed, we note that Nigerians are honestly tired of the many excuses why the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government cannot deliver on its avowed campaign promises, anchored on the ‘Change’ mantra. We feel that this is a justification of the ruling party’s crass incompetence, cluelessness, inept administrative malfeasance and mismanagement of the people’s commonwealth.
That Nigerians are now hapless and desperately yearn for true change in the governance framework is not only an altruism, but a total reflection of the people’s angst towards a government that has turned the blood of thousands of innocent Nigerians, who are massacred daily by never-identified gunmen, to mere rhetoric; just as the nation has shamelessly become the world’s epicentre of extreme poverty at a time they urgently desire visible dividends of democracy from their leaders. For us, it is a total reflection of the negative impact of the massive anti-people style of administration which the APC-led Federal Government has wrought on the globe’s largest black nation.
This is why we think that the massive defections are an indication of a clear vote of no confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari, his convoluted and disconnected cabinet and the APC.
Given the confluence of momentum already achieved in the anti-Buhari pitch, we expect that in the next couple of weeks and months, more politicians in strategic positions and their supporters in APC may leave in droves, in a political tsunami that has never been witnessed in the annals of Nigeria’s democratic history. Against this backdrop, we charge Buhari to take responsibility, for once, for the overzealousness of the security agencies, especially the police, personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), whose attempts to muzzle the opposition’s efforts to strengthen democracy and entrench good governance in Nigeria are manifestly obvious.
Put succinctly, we urge the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces to call anti-democratic elements in the security agencies to order to avert a repeat of the scenarios of the ugly past, which could lead to a break-down of law and order, unmitigated violence and anarchy, and threaten the stability and sustenance of our hard-fought democracy.
That is our clarion call to all men of honour, character and integrity within Nigeria’s political firmament.
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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