President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday denied approving a purported 114% increase in the salary for the President, Vice President, elected Federal and State political office-holders, and judicial officers.
Presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, in a statement on Thursday averred that President Bola Tinubu has not approved any salary increase, and no such proposal has been brought before him for consideration.
Alake said that while the Presidency recognised that it is within the constitutional remit of Revenue Mobilisation, 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 said it was important to note that RMAFC, through its Public Relations Manager, has responded to the fake story being circulated, and had already set the record straight.
Alake noted that the fact the 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.
He said, “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.
“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”.
The statement also enjoined media practitioners to cross-check their stories at all times to ensure accurate reportage, which is the hallmark of responsible journalism.
Credible News recalls that there has been a report that went viral to the effect that the government has approved a new payment template that has increased salaries for political office holders and judicial officers.
