The Presidency says no approval has been given for a rise in the salary of political office holders and judicial officers.
In a message he issued on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson, Dele Alake said President Tunubu has not received any proposal to that effect nor has he given any approval in that regard.
He 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.”
Alake, however, noted that the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission has the constitutional power to fix salaries and allowances of political office holders and judicial officers, it must be approved by the President before it becomes effective.
“While we recognise that it is within the constitutional remit of Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to propose and fix salaries and allowances of political office holders and Judicial Officers, such cannot come to effect until it has equally been considered and approved by the President,” he added.
The Presidential aide said the purported increase in the salary of the President and other political officeholders is false and should be treated as such.
“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 society and our national well-being,” Alake cautioned.
Dele Alake emphasized that the fake story was fabricated by mischief makers to dampen the already established good image of the current administration.
“The misinformation was, obviously, contrived to create an 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.
“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,” he said.
Dominica Nwabufo
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