114% Increase: FG Says No Presidential Approval for Increase

The Federal Government has denied the increment of 114% in salaries of the President, Vice President, elected Federal and State political office holders, and judicial officers following the reactions from citizens in the country.

Speaking, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, Dele Alake on Thursday disclosed that ‘President Bola Tinubu has not approved any salary increase, and no such proposal has been brought before him for consideration.’

“While we recognize 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.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, brings to the fore the danger fake news poses to society and our national well-being.”

While cautioning journalists and other media practitioners, Mr. Alake stated that the ill-advised rumour upturned the goodwill of the Tinubu-led administration and urged journalists to always cross-check their stories.

“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.”