A political aide to Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, who represents Ondo North Senatorial District, has resigned in protest of what he described as “unbearable” monthly remuneration of ₦20,000.
Tunbosun Awe, who served as the ward liaison officer for Isowopo Ward II in Akoko North East Local Government Area, announced his resignation in a letter made public in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
In the letter, Awe strongly criticised the monthly salary, calling it “a far cry from the current economic reality and the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000.” He added that his repeated efforts to have the remuneration reviewed were ignored.
“This is sequel to the ₦20,000 monthly salary payment to me, which is against the present economic realities and a far cry from the national minimum wage of ₦70,000,” Awe wrote.“An audience had been sought with you at different intervals of the need to increase the pay, all to no avail. Especially when it is fully established with you that ₦20,000 is the same amount you offered me as your personal assistant in 2007.”
He traced his relationship with Senator Ipinsagba back to 2006, when he served as secretary of the senator’s “Concept 2007” campaign. He also recalled his role as a personal assistant when the lawmaker served under the administration of late Governor Olusegun Agagu.
Awe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve but lamented the stagnation of his income amid the country's economic challenges, saying the decision to quit was long overdue.
“Despite rising inflation and the new wage standards, my salary has remained the same since 2007. I believe I have been more than loyal, but loyalty must not mean silence in the face of hardship.”
Efforts to get a reaction from Senator Ipinsagba or his spokesperson, Yinka Ajagunna, were unsuccessful as of the time of this report.
However, a loyalist of the senator, Bankole Akerele, faulted Awe’s public resignation, describing it as “disrespectful” and “ungrateful.” He alleged that Awe had aligned himself with rival political figures, suggesting his resignation was more about shifting loyalties than genuine grievances.
“Rather than embarrass his benefactor, Awe should have exited with gratitude,” Akerele said. “This is politics, and we know when people start showing signs of defection.”
Awe’s resignation adds to ongoing debates over fair compensation within Nigeria’s political support structure, particularly at the grassroots level where aides and loyalists often operate on meagre wages.
The move also comes amid rising frustration over economic hardship and wage inequality, despite the federal government’s push for a new minimum wage of ₦70,000. While senators and top officials are known to enjoy generous allowances and benefits, their aides, especially at ward or local levels, often operate under severe financial strain.
Awe’s case could spark broader calls for standardised compensation for political appointees, especially in rural areas where their roles remain vital for political mobilisation and community engagement.
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