Nigeria, Aug. 19 -- The Federal Government's plan to increase the salaries of political office holders, including the President, Vice President, ministers, and members of the National Assembly, has sparked outrage across the country, particularly among Nigerian youths and civil servants who say they are already struggling to survive in the face of economic hardship.

The announcement, made on Monday, has been met with strong criticism from labour unions, academics, and ordinary citizens, who argue that the timing is insensitive given the current cost of living crisis.

In an interview with The News Chronicle on Tuesday, Mr. Isa Bukar Kumshe, a senior lecturer and President of the Academic Staff Union of Mohammed Lawan College of Agricultu...