The Executive Director of the World Institute for Peace (WIP), Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, has called on the Nigerian Senate to reject any proposal seeking to increase the salaries and allowances of political office holders in the country.
Speaking to pressmen on behalf of the institute, Omotoyosi described the idea as “insensitive” and “a betrayal of public trust,” stressing that political leaders already earn exorbitant sums, including constituency project allocations worth hundreds of millions, while ordinary Nigerians continue to struggle.
According to him, the focus of the National Assembly should instead be on improving the welfare of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Police, who he described as the “true custodians of peace and security.” He proposed that lawmakers channel their energy into passing a bill that would guarantee at least a 70 percent salary increase for security operatives who risk their lives daily to safeguard the country.
“The men and women of our Armed Forces and Police face terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes under harsh and dangerous conditions. Yet, they remain resilient, professional, and committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians. It is only just and patriotic that their welfare be substantially improved,” Omotoyosi stated.
He further emphasized that any attempt to increase the pay of governors and other political office holders, while neglecting the welfare of the Armed Forces and Police, would amount to “a dishonour to the sacrifices of those who defend Nigeria’s peace and unity.”
The World Institute for Peace, therefore, urged the Senate to demonstrate true leadership by prioritizing the welfare of security operatives above the self-enrichment of the political class.
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