Obasanjo Blasts Tinubu Over Insecurity, Questions Lawmakers’ Salaries

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a blunt assessment of Nigeria’s current security climate, criticising the administration of President Bola Tinubu over what he described as persistent nationwide insecurity.

In an interview with News Central Television, Obasanjo expressed deep concern about the escalating wave of killings and kidnappings reported across several parts of the country, warning that the situation continues to deteriorate.

He argued that the primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property, stressing that failure in this regard undermines its legitimacy to govern.

Obasanjo said, “Let me tell you, the government that cannot give security of life and property of its citizens has no right of existence.”

The former president also raised constitutional concerns regarding how lawmakers’ salaries and benefits are determined, questioning the authority of members of the National Assembly in setting their own remuneration.

According to him, legislators do not possess the legal mandate to fix their wages and allowances, noting that such responsibilities fall within the jurisdiction of a designated constitutional body.

“The elected members of our National Assembly have no right to fix their own salary and their own emoluments.

“It’s not in our constitution for them to do that. It’s the revenue mobilisation and allocation commission that should do it,” Obasanjo stated.

Also Read: Obasanjo, Jonathan to Inaugurate National Assembly Christian Chapel in Abuja

PulseNets learnt that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission had, in February, concluded work on a revised remuneration structure for political office holders across Nigeria.

Further details obtained by PulseNets indicate that the proposed package has already been transmitted to the President through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for consideration and approval.