Editorial
Shehu Aliyu Shagari (1925 – 2018)
Unarguably the last of the titans, Shehu Aliyu Shagari, Second Republic President of Nigeria, went the way of all mortals on December 28, 2018, marking the end of an eventful era in the annals of the nation’s political metamorphosis.
A nationalist, patriot and statesman, Shagari was, until his demise, one of the few solons that did not only dominate his native Northern Nigerian space with mercurial audacity, but also, like his contemporaries, bestrode the nation’s political landscape like a magnificent colossus.
Small wonder then that the series of obviously unhealthy political developments in the country before and after his (Shagari’s) transition have hardly dimmed the avalanche of encomiums that has continued to flow freely like torrents. Tributes after tributes from Nigeria’s elites, including President Muhammadu Buhari who ousted his government, had underlined his sterling qualities of honesty and politics without bitterness which they themselves have failed to imbibe.
Although Nigeria’s political culture had always seem to function around ostentation and wider expectations, Shagari can be excused for whatever shortcomings, having presided over the nation at a period when our optimism about what was possible far outstripped our capacities to build and to persevere.
The Tide is not saying that Shagari was a saint among sinners. Not at all. But he can be singled out as one of those supranational symbols whose invocation had often sufficed to heal divisive acrimonies in the land and douse the unending embers of sectarian and clannish obsessions. It is to his eternal credit that he preached national unity and progress till his death.
Willed into existence on February 25, 1925, Shagari started his education in a Quaranic school and later attended Yabo Elementary School (1931-1935). After attending middle school in Sokoto from 1936 and 1940, he attended Kaduna College from 1941 – 1944 from where he gained admission into Teachers Training College, Zaria in 1944. He was a visiting teacher in Sokoto Province in 1953 and also a member of the Federal Scholarship Board between 1954 and 1958.
After his public service stint, Shagari was appointed Secretary of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) in Sokoto from where he was elected into his first public office as a member of the House of Representatives for Sokoto West in 1954.
In 1958, the then Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa appointed Shagari his Parliamentary Secretary and later Federal Minister for Commerce and Industry. He was at various times Federal Minister of Economic Development (1959 – 1960), Federal Minister of Pensions (1960 – 1962), Federal Minister of Works (1965 – 1966), Secretary, Sokoto Province Education Development Fund, Commissioner for Establishment in the North Western State.
In 1970, Shagari staged a come back to the Federal Cabinet first as Commissioner for Economic Development, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, and later as Federal Commissioner for Finance from 1971 to 1975. During this period, he was a governor of World Bank and a member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Committee of Twenty.
A co-founder of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1978, Shagari was elected Nigeria’s first executive President on the party’s platform in 1979 in a keenly contested but controversial election that involved Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Unity Party of Nigeria), Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (Nigeria Peoples Party), Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim (Great Nigeria Peoples Party) and Alhaji Aminu Kano (People’s Redemption Party).
Upon assuming duties on October 1, 1979, Shagari pledged to promote agricultural and economic development and help prosecute the fight against racism in Southern Africa.
In 1980, he initiated the Green Revolution, a comprehensive agricultural programme to ensure self-sufficiency in food production. He set up among others, 11 river basin development authorities to actualise it. Between 1980 and 1983, he completed the Kaduna Refinery, the Delta Steel complex and the Aluminum Smelter Company at Ikot Abasi.
Basking in the euphoria of the oil boom, Shagari also gave housing, transportation and industries a major boost in his administration’s policy.
A proponent of the African Defence Force in the 1980 Summit of the defunct Organisation of African Unity (OAU), Shagari’s foreign policy was hinged on the liquidation of the white minority rule in South Africa and the independence of Namibia.
Unfortunately, Shagari’s second term in 1983 was terminated by Major General (now, President) Muhammadu Buhari in a military putsch over allegations of corruption.
Yet, his ordeal in Buhari’s hand did not blight his vision for a greater and united Nigeria as he continued to contribute to national discourse, even with his frail health, and until his eventual passage. His, was indeed a life of meritorious service to the nation.
The Turaki of Sokoto since 1962, Shagari was a recipient of several chieftaincy titles of several communities across Nigeria and also a Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the country’s highest national honour.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
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.
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.
