society
Hunger in the Streets, Lights Out, Roads Dead, Insecurity High; yet Billions in the State House: Tinubu and Ministers Demand Fatter Pay While Nigeria Bleeds
Hunger in the Streets, Lights Out, Roads Dead, Insecurity High; yet Billions in the State House: Tinubu and Ministers Demand Fatter Pay While Nigeria Bleeds.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | For SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Nigeria stands at a crossroads: blackouts haunt our cities, bandits rule our highways, craters replace roads and hunger gnaws at daily life. Yet the very guardians meant to deliver relief (our President, ministers and top officials) are now eyeing SALARY HIKES, even as POVERTY DEEPENS.
Basic Salaries vs. True Take-Home Pay. The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has reiterated that the President’s basic monthly salary is roughly ₦1.17 million, with ministers receiving about ₦1 million and agency heads like the CBN Governor earning up to 10 times more.
Let us go beyond the “BASIC SALARY” headlines. A recent breakdown highlights the substantive financial reality:
President (Tinubu):
Basic salary: ₦292,892/month
Consolidated allowances: ₦878,676/month
Estimated total: ₦1,171,568/month (≈₦14.06 million/year), EXCLUDING estacodes, duty tour, security, housing, travel, gratuity and more.
Ministers:
From the earlier RMAFC schedule (2008 framework still operative)
Basic salary: ₦168,867/month
Motor vehicle fuelling & maintenance (75%): ₦126,650/month
Personal assistant (25%): ₦42,217/month
Domestic staff (75%): ₦122,349/month
Entertainment (45%): ₦73,409/month
Utilities (30%): ₦48,939/month
Monitoring, newspapers and other allowances: small additional amounts
Estimated total: ≈₦628,057/month (basic + scheduled allowances).
These figures still don’t account for discretionary perks, like duty-tour allowances (₦35,000/day within Nigeria), estacodes (up to USD 4,000/day while abroad), security allowances, housing upkeep, travel entitlements and severance packages that cumulatively add tens of millions annually.
Context Is Everything and Context Is Miserable.
When RMAFC labels the President’s salary as only ₦1.17 million a month “A JOKE,” are they misjudging or insulting suffering Nigerians? That sum might look modest until you add the tang of FREE RESIDENCES, ARMORED CONVOYS, INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL TRIPS, ESTACODES and FOREIGN ALLOWANCES that the public foots the bill for.
Last year (2023), RMAFC quietly proposed a 114% salary hike for politicians and judges sparking public outrage. It failed. Now, in 2025 amidst rising cost of living and persistent power cuts, the same proposal reemerges with arrogance intact and empathy discarded.
What Scholars Teach Us.
Economist Amartya Sen teaches us that true development expands individual freedoms; FREEDOM from HUNGER, FEAR, ILLNESS and IGNORANCE. What kind of freedom is it when POVERTY CLAWS at our families while our leaders weigh pay hikes? Nelson Mandela urges that a nation should be judged not by how it treats the powerful, but how it cares for its weakest.
The widening divide (a President earning almost ₦1,2 million/month while citizens faint for electricity, about ₦1 miillion for ministers while the roads are impassable) is a moral indictment, not a policy question.
Rebalancing, Not Reckless Raises, Should Be the Priority.
RMAFC’s own admission frames the problem: “CBN governors and some DGs earn 10× more.”
A SYSTEM THAT SELLS incompetence AND CHEAP AND OVERPAY UNELECTED OFFICIALS IS BROKEN.
The remedy? Rebalance; not raise:
Harmonise pay across public service: Normalize compensation so unelected appointees do not overshadow elected leaders.
Cut unnecessary overheads: Expense a leaner government with strict “VALUE-FOR-MONEY” checks on convoys, delegations and discretionary spending.
Tie raises to delivery: No improvements in electricity availability, road rehabilitation, school functionality or crime rates? No pay rise.
Publish the Real Numbers (Transparency).
Citizens deserve to see everything. This month’s paycheck is one thing; what about:
HOUSING MAINTENANCE
SECURITY STAFFING
TRAVEL COSTS (domestic and international)
ESTACODES and DUTY-TOUR ENTITLEMENTS
GRATUITY/SEVERANCE PACKAGES
Publish every line item and let truth be the basis for accountability.
The Facts Nigerians Must Hold On To.
Tinubu’s income: ₦292,892 basic + ₦878,676 allowances = ₦1.17 million monthly (₦14 million/year), per RMAFC-referenced breakdowns.
Ministers: approximately ₦628,000 monthly, based on 2008 statutory schedule.
RMAFC noted pay disparity: CBN and DG salaries tower over the President’s.
2023 proposal for 114% hike died under public outrage; its revival is cynically timed.
What Accountability Looks Like (A Citizen’s Demand).
Moratorium on raises until key indicators improve (POWER SUPPLY, INFRASTRUCTURE, SECURITY)
Full compensation disclosure: PUBLISH ALL COMPONENTS OF TOP OFFICES’ COSTS.
Cap and reform: LOWER OUTLIER PAY RATHER THAN RAISE COLLECTIVE AVERAGE
Institutional safeguards: SUBJECT FUTURE REMUNERATION CHANGES to PUBLIC HEARINGS and CLEAR PERFORMANCE METRICS
As John Rawls argues, social and economic inequalities are justifiable only if they benefit the least advantaged. Our current scenario (elite enrichment amid mass suffering) is a reversal of that principle.
Our Fearless Demand.
Nigerians pay the price with taxes, suffering and resilience. To ask for higher pay now is to punish hardship. As Thomas Sankara famously declared, “He who feeds you, controls you.” We feed this system. We demand that governance be accountability, competence and service, not compensation without consequence.
So here’s the message: No increases until the lights shine. No raises until hunger fades. No scale-ups until our roads, schools and people are healed.
society
Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)
Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)
Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State on Tuesday received a leading governorship aspirant, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, in Saki, pledging political backing for his ambition ahead of the party’s primaries.
The stakeholders’ meeting, held at Saki City Hall, drew party leaders, community figures, and grassroots mobilisers from across the zone, reflecting the growing momentum surrounding Ajadi’s consultations across the state.
Addressing party faithful, Ajadi reiterated his commitment to building on the achievements of the current administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde, noting that continuity and expansion of ongoing projects would form the cornerstone of his policy direction.
“I will leverage the developmental strides of the present administration and ensure that their impact is extended to more communities across the state. Governance must be progressive, not disruptive,” Ajadi stated.
He outlined key areas of focus, including workers’ welfare and pension administration, promising a disciplined financial structure that guarantees prompt salary payments.
“Our workers deserve dignity and certainty. Salaries will be paid on or before the 25th of every month, and our retirees will receive improved attention. A government that neglects its workforce cannot deliver sustainable development,” he added.
Ajadi also disclosed plans for extensive grassroots engagement across all 33 local government areas of the state, aimed at identifying peculiar needs and integrating them into policy formulation.
“This is not just about ambition; it is about understanding the people. I will be embarking on a statewide tour to listen, learn, and design policies that reflect the realities at the grassroots,” he said.
Party leaders and stakeholders from Saki West and the wider Oke-Ogun zone pledged their support for Ajadi, citing his accessibility, philanthropic engagements, and perceived capacity to lead the state. Among those who spoke were Alhaji Rasak Aderele (popularly known as Super), Adeleke Thomas (Baba Elepo), and Hon. Coach Kehinde Adetola, who described him as a unifying figure capable of strengthening the PDP’s electoral chances.
Addressing concerns about internal party dynamics, Ajadi reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, dismissing speculation about a possible defection.
“I remain committed to the PDP. This is my party, and I believe in its vision. My focus is on securing the mandate of our members through consultations and consensus-building,” he said.
Shortly after the stakeholders’ engagement, Ajadi proceeded to a closed-door strategic meeting with a fellow PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Samuel Ademola Adejumobi, popularly known as “Agbarapo.”
Adejumobi, a prominent political figure from Atisbo Local Government Area in the Oke-Ogun zone, is a former Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly and currently serves as Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to Governor Makinde. The meeting, held indoors away from the larger gathering, was seen as part of ongoing consultations and alignment efforts among aspirants within the party.
Observers note that such high-level engagements signal a strategic attempt to foster unity and strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the PDP governorship primaries.
With growing grassroots support and intensified consultations across Oke-Ogun and beyond, Ajadi’s political activities continue to gather pace, positioning him as a formidable contender in the race for the party’s ticket.
society
Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)
Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)
Nigerians have been gripped by fear since the report of the COVID-19 variant in Cross River.
The Cross River State Ministry of Health has begun profiling and tracing individuals in the state who have been in contact with a Chinese national admitted after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Not many people expected this to happen in Nigeria, because since 2020 when the global pandemic happened, there hasn’t been a single case of the virus in the country until yesterday, about five years later.
However, despite the fact that Nigeria was declared Covid-19 free, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, warned about three times that he foresees the virus coming back to Nigeria.
In his first prophecy regarding it, he warned that Nigerians should not pray to see Lassa fever and Covid-19 coming back in some areas.
“Let’s pray so that we don’t see Lassa Fever again. Let’s pray so that Covid will not come back in some areas”
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9dYjCMS/
This wasn’t given attention by many because it felt Nigeria has been immune to the virus. Everyone went about their business as usual, and in the midst of all that, Primate Ayodele warned intensely again.
“Let’s watch this for the World Health Organization, I see airborne disease, Covid in another dimension that can cause cough, cold, air disease, it’s a warning and that’s what the Lord said.”
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9dj5UL5/
This time, he specifically called out the World Health Organization about re-occurrence of Covid; and gave directions regarding how it would happen. He also emphasized that it was what the Lord said, but how many people actually listen?
Again, during a church service, Primate Ayodele warned that Covid is coming and will happen in a different way compared to the previous one. He made it known that the way of contacting it will be different from the previous one.
“Also, Covid is coming, but the way it’s going to come will be different from the way we experienced it that time. The process of contacting it will be different from the previous one.”
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9djao7v/
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9djao7v/
Likewise, in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings to the Nations, Primate Ayodele warned that another round of COVID is coming. This book was released in July 2025.
“Another round of COVID will come up, and another disease epidemic. I foresee that a lot of money will be spent, and they will face some challenges in getting things right. The workers of this Body will be attacked, and there will be changes in leadership” (Page 36)
All of these have fulfilled the prophecies of Primate Ayodele. Beyond the prophecy fulfilment, this is a call to relevant authorities to always listen when God is warning them about anything through his prophet.
society
Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term
Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term
Abuja – Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun, Founder of Celestrial Deliverance Church of Christ in Zhidu Village, Abuja, has made an emotional appeal to the Federal Government to stop the killing of Christians across Nigeria while also throwing his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.
Speaking from his Abuja headquarters, the Prophet declared that leadership is a continuum and that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms require stability and time to bear fruit. He said, “Politics has nothing to do with religion. The ballot box is not the altar. Whether you are from the East, the North, the West, or the Yoruba community, we are one people under God.”
Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun used the opportunity to make a special appeal to the Federal Government, saying, “I beg the Federal Government, in the name of God and for the sake of humanity: Please help stop the killing of Christians across this nation. From the villages to the cities, too much innocent blood has been shed. Targeted attacks on Christian communities must stop. We plead for stronger protection, justice for victims, and lasting peace.” He acknowledged the pain of insecurity, especially the killing of Christians and farmers across the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria, but also noted verifiable security gains under President Tinubu including over 3,000 hostages rescued from bandits and terrorists in the last 12 months, deployment of new attack helicopters and surveillance drones to flashpoints, and a reduction in oil theft from over 400,000 barrels per day to under 200,000 barrels per day.
He said, “The issue is security, and security is everybody’s business. We cannot build a nation if our people are not safe. But we must also acknowledge progress.” He added that a second term would allow the administration to consolidate its security architecture rather than restarting with new leadership.
On economic reforms, Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun argued that President Tinubu’s first term has witnessed the most audacious economic reforms in Nigeria’s recent history, including fuel subsidy removal saving the nation over ₦400 billion monthly, a unified exchange rate attracting over $2 billion in foreign portfolio inflows, the Student Loans Act benefiting over 100,000 students, and local government autonomy. He argued that no major economy in the world has successfully reversed course after landmark reforms within a single term, adding that abandoning the reform agenda now would plunge Nigeria back into uncertainty.
Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun stressed that President Tinubu’s emergence broke a dangerous cycle, noting that Tinubu is the first Southern Muslim to lead Nigeria since 1993, balancing power after eight years of a Northern President. He pointed out that under Tinubu, the South holds the presidency of the Senate but the Speaker of the House is from the North-West. He urged, “Let the East join hands with the West. Let the North embrace the South. Let the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and all 250 plus tribes say: ‘Nigeria first.’”
Drawing comparisons to global examples such as India’s Narendra Modi, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and Indonesia’s Joko Widodo, the Prophet argued that second terms deliver long-term prosperity. He said, “Nigeria is not an exception. If we change leadership every four years, we will remain a building site forever.”
Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun closed with a prayer and a charge: “Nigeria will only rise when we rise above division. I am not speaking as Ogu, Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa. I speak as a Nigerian, and as a minister of the gospel of peace. God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He urged all Nigerians to pray for the nation, support security agencies, and give President Tinubu the opportunity to complete what he has started. The press release was issued on 20th April 2026 from his church in Zhidu Village behind Piwoyi Village off Lugbe Airport Road, FCT Abuja.
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