The Presidency has reacted formally to the reported increase in salaries of the president, other political office holders and judicial officers in the country, saying no approval has been given in this regard by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

In a release issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, the Presidency described the report as fake news being circulated by unscrupulous elements to create disaffection for the new government at the centre.

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It stated that while it is within the purview of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to propose and fix salaries and allowances of political office holders and judicial officers, such proposal can only be effective after presidential approval has been given.

The general public and the media in particular are, therefore, enjoined to henceforth disregard any information not coming from official government communication channels.

The release entitled ‘No presidential approval for salary increase for political office holders and judicial officers’, stated, inter alia: “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. 

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“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 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. 

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“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.”

THIS DAY