Charismatic Catholic priest, Rev Father Ejike Mbaka, has expressed his opinion that the proposed N62,000 as the new national minimum wage should also be extended to senators, governors, and House of Representatives members.
Mbaka criticized the allowances given to lawmakers while many Nigerians are facing hardship.
Following lengthy discussions by the tripartite committee negotiating the new minimum wage, the Federal Government has agreed to pay workers N62,000.
In response, Mbaka advised the Federal Government to approach the issue cautiously to prevent any potential crisis.
Speaking to journalists recently, Mbaka stated: “If we are considering giving workers N60,000 or N62,000, why not extend it to members of the House of Assembly, senators, House of Representatives members, and governors?
“They are all public servants, so are the others slaves? I fail to comprehend why they receive billions in sitting allowance, wardrobe allowance, newspaper allowance, and suffering allowance.
“The individuals who truly deserve such allowances are those struggling in rural areas.
“How much are our teachers, nurses, and doctors earning? Let’s face reality, how much are our hardworking civil servants, who wake up early and return home late every day, being paid?
“Considering the high level of inflation in the country, it is evident that we are not all being honest in this country.
“I am appealing to the government that prevention is better than cure; this issue must be handled delicately as it could spiral out of control and lead to unforeseen consequences.”
