The federal government has debunked the media claims of a 114% salary increase package under the purview of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for political officer holders and judicial officers.
Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President, made the statement known on Thursday.
NO PRESIDENTIAL APPROVAL FOR SALARY INCREASES FOR POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS
We have followed with consternation the viral story of the purported 114% increase in the salaries 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 the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to propose and fix salaries and allowances for political officeholders and Judicial Officers, such proposals cannot come into effect until they have been equally considered and approved by the President.
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, this unfounded story gained prominence on social media and in a section of mainstream media, again bringing to the fore the danger fake news poses to society and our national well-being.
The misinformation was, obviously, contrived to create ill will for the new administration and 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.
It is important to reiterate to journalists, media managers, and members of the public that stories on government activities and policy issues that do not emanate from approved official communication channels should be ignored.
Media practitioners are enjoined to, at all times, cross-check their stories to ensure accurate reportage, which is the hallmark of responsible journalism.
