Alake said the Presidency followed with consternation the viral story of the purported 114% increase in the salary of the President, Vice President, elected federal and state political office holders and judicial officers.
By Jeffrey Agbo
President Bola Tinubu has not given approval for a 114% salary increase for political office holders and judicial officers as reported in the media, his spokesman has said.
Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake, said in a statement on Thursday that while the job of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is to propose and fix salaries and allowances of political office holders and judicial officers, it can only come into effect with the president’s approval.
His statement said, “We have followed with consternation the viral story of the purported 114% increase in the salary of the President, Vice President, elected Federal and State political office holders and judicial officers.
“We state without any equivocation that President Bola Tinubu has not approved any salary increase, and no such proposal has been brought before him for consideration.
“While we recognise that it is within the constitutional remit of Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to propose and fix salaries and allowances of political office holders and Judicial Officers, such can not come to effect until it has equally been considered and approved by the President.
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“It is important to note that RMAFC, through its Public Relations Manager, has responded to this fake story being circulated and has already set the record straight.
“However, that this unfounded story gained prominence on social media and in a section of mainstream media, again, brings to the fore the danger fake news poses to the society and our national well-being. The misinformation was, obviously, contrived to create ill will for the new administration, slow down the upward momentum and massive goodwill the Tinubu-led administration is currently enjoying among Nigerians as a result of its fast-paced, dynamic and progressive policies.”
Mr Alake urged journalists, media managers, and members of the public to ignore stories on government activities and policy issues that do not emanate from approved official communication channels.
“Media practitioners are enjoined to, at all times, cross-check their stories to ensure accurate reportage, which is the hallmark of responsible journalism,” he added.
