By ADEKUNLE WILLIAMS

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum says it supports the statement by Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra that governors and other elected officials should earn only the minimum wage given the country’s current economic realities.

The National President of the forum, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

NAN reports that Soludo had, while reacting to the rejection of the proposed N62,000 minimum wage by the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, said governors and other elected officials too should earn minimum wage to have a feel what workers are going through in the face of economic challenges.

“Let’s come clean and straight with Nigerians. Nigeria is very poor and broke, but the lifestyle of government and government officials does not show it, especially with the obscene flamboyance in public display,

“The poor are hungry and impatient, let us not annoy them more with our insensitivity. In this case, I agree with Reverend Father Mbaka, who said elected governors should also earn minimum wage. I agree that we should be paid that so that we can feel that as well,” Soludo had said.

Yerima told NAN that in a country where the disparity between the earnings of political leaders and the average citizen is staggering, such a stance is not only refreshing but also necessary in fostering a more equitable society.

He said: “The statement made by Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra, regarding the need for governors and other elected officials to earn only the minimum wage in order to reflect the current economic reality of Nigeria is both bold and commendable.

“For too long, Nigeria has been plagued by corruption and a lack of accountability among its political class. Elected officials often receive exorbitant salaries and allowances while the majority of the population struggles to make ends meet.

“This imbalance not only breeds resentment among the populace but also perpetuates a culture of entitlement among those in power.

“By advocating for governors and other elected officials to earn only the minimum wage, the governor is sending a strong message that public service should not be about personal enrichment but about working towards the common good,” he said.

Yerima said that Soludo’s statement should be lauded and supported by all Nigerians, who, he said, were tired of the excesses and opulence of their leaders while the country continues to face challenges.

The forum’s president said it was improper for leaders not to identify with the people in the face of widespread poverty, inadequate infrastructure and a struggling healthcare system.

According to him, elected officials should be willing to make sacrifices and tighten their belts in solidarity with the people they serve.

“There is the need for elected officials to be in touch with the realities faced by the average Nigerian, as it is only through shared experiences and empathy that true change can be achieved.

“The call is a step in the right direction towards creating a more just and equitable society.

“His bold stance should be supported and emulated by leaders at all levels of government, as it signifies a commitment to serving the people rather than exploiting their positions for personal gain.

“As Nigerians, we must demand accountability and integrity from our political leaders,” he said. (NAN)

Update news