Buhari Osinbajo’s Hardship Allowance: A Speak that fans flame of unnecessary public resentment

By Ibrahim Musa

The recent reports about President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Governors earning N651 million in hardship allowance have caused a wave of public discontent. While it is essential to be transparent and accountable about such payments, the media frequently magnify such issues, fueling public outrage in the process. Instead, our attention should be on the ultimate contributions of our public officials to the Nigerian project, especially now that we are about to take another cloudy journey.

I will naturally not write in defense of Nigerian politicians but ignoring the kind of report recently published by one of the nation’s leading media outfit will be unfair to the President and his deputy, hence it is important to put the issues raised in the right context.

First of all, I am sure Nigerians have not forgotten that patriotic move by President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo to voluntarily cut their salaries by half since their first year in office in 2015. By doing this they clearly demonstrated that their purpose of coming to office was to serve rather than the benefits derived from the office. The notion that they are exploiting the system is therefore baseless, unfair, and should be dismissed.

Besides, the hardship allowance that the President and Vice President receive is standard practice, it predates their tenure and will outlive them. It is a routine aspect of public officers’ compensation, and it’s not unusual for past and present administrations. This payment, in some way, compensates for their service to the nation during challenging times like we experienced in the past years.

Instead of retrospectively passing judgment on every news item received from the media, it is important for Nigerians to get the complete story and correct information regarding some of these issues that come carefully packaged to stoke public rage.

It is right that times are hard for many and the current economic situation makes it even easier for citizens to be skeptical about happenings in and around government. It however pertinent that Nigerians remain focused and see beyond the, sometimes, mischievous actions of enemies of our country. Yes we lead the advocacy that will bring about the desired changes for our country, but it must never be anchored on half-truths, innuendoes and falsehood. It is possible to genuinely keep Nigeria on a steady path to growth and prosperity without maligning leaders who mean well.

It is time to shift the focus away from “sensational” stories that drive public outrage to a more constructive and positive dialogue.

We must resist every attempt to call out our leaders for receiving compensations due to them. We should, instead, commend President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo for choosing to give a part of their earnings back to the public, showing exemplary efforts to serve their country which is worthy of emulation. It’s vital and also a matter of ethics for the Nigerian media to provide a balanced and unbiased view of government proceedings, especially when the image and reputation of patriotic leaders are at stake.

Gob bless Nigeria

Musa writes from Zaria, Kaduna state