Ondo senator’s aide resigns over ₦20,000 monthly salary, cites economic hardship
A political aide to Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, who represents Ondo North Senatorial District, has resigned his position, citing the payment of a ₦20,000 monthly salary as untenable under current economic conditions.
The aide, Tunbosun Awe, who served as a ward liaison officer for Isowopo Ward II in Akoko North East Local Government Area, made his resignation public through a letter released in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Awe described the ₦20,000 remuneration as “a far cry from the current economic reality and the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000.”
“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 stated in his letter.
“An audience had been sought with you at different intervals of the need to increase the pay, all to no avail.”
He added that the amount had not changed since 2007, when he previously served as Personal Assistant to the senator under the late Governor Olusegun Agagu’s administration.
“It is fully established with you that ₦20,000 is the same amount you offered me as your personal assistant in 2007.”
Awe highlighted his long-standing relationship with Senator Ipinsagba, tracing it back to 2006 when he served as secretary of the campaign structure for Ipinsagba’s senatorial bid under the project titled “Concept 2007.”
Despite expressing deep disappointment over the stagnant pay amid rising inflation and cost of living, Awe thanked the senator for the opportunity to serve.
However, the resignation has sparked reactions. While the senator’s spokesman, Yinka Ajagunna, could not be reached for comment, a loyalist of Senator Ipinsagba, Bankole Akerele, dismissed Awe’s complaints, describing him as “an ingrate.”
Akerele claimed Awe’s resignation was politically motivated.
“He has shifted his loyalty to another political leader, hence his resignation,” Akerele said, accusing Awe of attempting to embarrass the senator after years of service.
The development comes amid growing concerns over political aides’ welfare, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s current economic hardship.
