MISCHIEVOUS: FG dismisses 114% salary increase for Tinubu, Shettima, judicial officers
Yinka ADETUNJI
The presidency has debunked the news making the rounds that President Bola Tinubu, his vice, Kashim Shettima, judicial officers and other political office holders have had their salaries increased by as much as 114%.
In a statement Thursday by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, the news was dismissed as lacking substance describing it as one originated by mischief makers aimed at spinning ill-will towards the administration in the face of soaring goodwill being enjoyed as a result of its laudable performance.
The statement therefore advised media practitioners to always crosscheck their facts before releasing news.
Titled “No presidential approval for salary increase for political office holders and judicial officers,” the statement reads, “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 Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to propose and fix salaries and allowances of political office holders and Judicial Officers, such can not 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, 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 the society and our national well-being. 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.
“Media practitioners are enjoined to, at all times, cross-check their stories to ensure accurate reportage, which is the hallmark of responsible journalism.”
