On Wednesday, June 12, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo suggested that governors and other elected officials should earn the minimum wage to reflect Nigeria's current economic reality.
Governor Soludo highlighted the severe financial crisis facing the country during a special edition of The Platform.
He criticized the extravagant lifestyles of government officials, which he said are maintained at the nation's expense, exacerbating Nigeria’s economic troubles.
"Let's be honest with Nigerians. Nigeria is very poor and broke, but the lifestyle of government and its officials does not reflect this, especially with the excessive flamboyance on public display," Soludo stated.
He added, "The poor are hungry and impatient; let's not aggravate them with our insensitivity. In this regard, I agree with Reverend Father Mbaka, who said elected governors should also earn minimum wage. I agree that we should be paid that so we can experience the same reality."
Soludo revealed that he has not taken a salary since assuming office in Anambra, instead donating it to the state.
"It is symbolic. It is not much. I believe the system is generally in denial. There must be some signaling, and this is just symbolic," he said.
Soludo urged his fellow officials to reduce wasteful spending.
"That is why I proposed a new code of conduct for public officers. For the federal government, the actual projected revenue comes to about N6,160 per Nigerian per month. For most states, except Lagos and a few others, revenues amount to less than N3,000 per resident per month," he explained.
"It is from this share per citizen that we are expected to provide infrastructure, service debts, pay salaries and pensions, build schools, and provide everything. For each instance of wasteful spending, we should be aware of how many citizens' shares we are squandering. Losing this consciousness about the public trust we bear leads to the irreversible decline of society," Soludo concluded.
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