Ejike Mbaka, the spiritual director of Adoration Ministry in Enugu, has proposed that members of the National Assembly, including senators, representatives, and governors, should also earn the N62,000 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government.
This suggestion comes in response to the recent strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress. In an interview with AIT, Mbaka expressed his concerns about the disparity in earnings between lawmakers and ordinary Nigerians.
He warned that the growing inequality could lead to rebellion. “We could push these poor Nigerians to the point of rebellion. That is my fear,” he said.
Mbaka criticized the extravagant allowances received by politicians, including sitting, wardrobe, newspaper, vehicle, and “suffering” allowances.
He argued that such benefits should be directed towards the poor masses, teachers, nurses, and doctors who are underpaid despite their hard work.
He questioned why governors, senators, and representatives should earn significantly more than other civil servants.
“If we decide to give labor N60,000 or N62,000, why not generalize it to the House of Assembly members, senatorial members, House of Representative members, and governors?” he asked, highlighting the need for realistic wages amidst the country’s high inflation.