Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has called for elected officials, including governors, to earn minimum wage to better reflect Nigeria’s current economic reality. Speaking at The Platform, an event organized by The Covenant Nation to promote national development, Governor Soludo highlighted the stark contrast between the opulent lifestyles of government officials and the dire financial crisis facing the country.
Governor Soludo emphasized the urgent need for transparency with Nigerians, pointing out that despite the country’s severe economic challenges, the extravagant lifestyles of officials do not mirror this reality. “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,” he remarked.
He echoed sentiments expressed by Reverend Father Mbaka, asserting that elected officials should earn minimum wage to truly understand and empathize with the plight of ordinary citizens. “The poor are hungry and impatient, let’s not annoy them more with our insensitivity. I agree with Reverend Father Mbaka that elected governors should also earn minimum wage. We should be paid that so that we can feel that as well,” Soludo stated.
In a symbolic gesture, Governor Soludo revealed that he has not accepted any salary since assuming office, choosing instead to donate his earnings to the state. “It is symbolic. It is not much. I think generally, the system is in denial. There must be some signaling, it is just the symbolism of this.”
Governor Soludo urged his fellow officials to drastically reduce wasteful spending, highlighting the meager revenues available for public expenditure. “For the federal government, the actual projected revenue comes to about N6,160 per Nigerian, per month. For the states, except Lagos and a few states, most states have revenues amounting to less than N3,000 per resident, per month. It is from these shares per citizen that we are expected to provide all the infrastructure, debt service, pay salaries and pensions, build schools, and provide everything.”
He stressed the importance of public trust and accountability, warning that without a conscious effort to curb wasteful spending, society risks irreversible decline. “For each of our wasteful spending, let’s be conscious of how many citizens’ shares we are squandering. Once we lose this consciousness about the public trust we bear, the society dies irredeemably,” Soludo concluded.
Governor Soludo’s call for a new code of conduct for public officers is a clarion call for more responsible governance and a stark reminder of the financial challenges facing Nigeria. His stance invites reflection and action towards a more equitable and transparent management of the nation’s resources.
