Governors Should Earn the N18,000 Minimum Wage – Femi Aborishade

A democratic rights activist and former official of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Femi Aborishade, has suggested that Nigerian governors be paid the national minimum wage rate of N18,000 per month in order to discourage corruption in the country.


Mr. Aborishade voiced this position at the congress of the Ogun State chapter of the NCP which took place today in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. He stated that he had advocated the same idea when he contested as an NCP governorship candidate in 2003. The late Gani Fawehinmi, a lawyer and human rights activist, was once the NCP’s presidential candidate.

The party’s congress showcased its youthful membership, calculated at 60% of the party. Speaking at the congress, the party’s national chairman, Yinusa Tanko, declared that the NCP was the only party that has the interest of the masses at heart.

“To contest on the NCP platform, it will cost you no kobo. Our reason is that we do not want you to get into office and loot public funds [with the excuse] that it cost you money to contest,” said Mr. Tanko. He added that the party had won an election in Ekiti State, an indication that the party has the impact and capability to contest and win in Nigeria. He encouraged the youths to take the party as the genuine platform for the welfare of the masses.

The party’s general secretary, Ayodele Akele, who contested the governorship of Lagos State on the party’s ticket, said the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not de-registered the party should boost the confidence of members.

“Don’t be dissuaded. This is the masses’ party. No one can de-register us,” Mr. Akele said. He added that the party was still challenging the power of the INEC to de-register political parties in Nigeria.