A top aide to President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed the granting of approval for the increase of salaries for political office holders and judicial officers as reported by some sections of the media.
In a reaction to the viral information, Special Adviser to the President on
Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake in a press statement on Thursday, June 22, 2023, said the purported increase has not been brought before President Bola Tinubu for consideration or approval.
He however, cautioned the Media to fact check sensitive information as this before going to press.
The statement as obtained reads below.
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 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 the 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.
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 an 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.
Dele Alake
Special Adviser to the President
Special Duties, Communications & Strategy
June 22, 2023
