Governors Should Earn the N18,000 Minimum Wage

A democratic rights activist and former official of the National
Conscience Party (NCP), Femi Aborishade, has suggested that
Nigeriangovernors 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
thathas the interest of the masses at heart.
"To contest on the NCP platform, it will cost you no kobo. Our reason
isthat we do not want you to get into office and loot public funds
[with theexcuse] 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.