RSM press statement to stop the increase in the salaries of political office holders.
Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM) press statement to stop the increase in the salaries of political office holders.
Press Statement
Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM)
Date: 25 August 2025
RSM Rejects Salary Increase for Political Office Holders – Demand Urgent Prioritization of Workers and the Masses
The Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM) strongly condemns the reported plans and proposals to increase the salaries and allowances of political office holders at a time when the majority of Nigerians are experiencing deep economic hardship, unemployment, inflation, and declining living standards.
It is an insult to the working people and poor masses that those in positions of power—who already enjoy bloated salaries, outrageous allowances, and luxurious lifestyles—are considering even higher remuneration, while the average worker struggles on a minimum wage that is both inadequate and inconsistently paid.
We Say: No to Greed While the People Bleed!
The attempt to further enrich political elites exposes the anti-poor, capitalist character of the ruling class, which places the comfort of the few above the survival of the many. This shameless agenda must be resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians, trade unions, student movements, workers, and civil society organizations.
We believe that any wage review must be across-the-board and equitable, not discriminatory. While civil servants face salary freezes and meager wage increases, political office holders have enjoyed exorbitant raises in the past. This proposal will further widen the economic gap between political elites and ordinary Nigerians, deepening poverty and inequality.
The Revolutionary Socialist Movement calls on all working people to mobilize and resist this injustice. If political leaders claim there is no money to fund public education, healthcare, or pay workers’ wages, then they have no moral right to award themselves more money.
History has shown that meaningful change has never been handed down—it has always been won through struggle. We urge the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and all radical forces to reject this betrayal and take action, including mass protests and strikes if necessary.
Our Demands:
- Immediate reversal of any proposed or implemented salary increase for political office holders.
- Drastic reduction in the cost of governance, beginning with cuts to political office allowances, security votes, and official luxuries.
- Implementation of a living wage for all Nigerian workers, adjusted to reflect current inflation and cost of living.
- Investment in public services – healthcare, education, housing, and transportation – to benefit the masses, not just the elite.
- End to capitalist looting – and for all political office holders to be placed on the same salary scale as senior civil servants.
We must unite and fight back!
Enough is enough!
Issued by:
Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM)
Salako Kayode
Publicity Secretary