Breaking: Presidency speaks on reported 114% increase in salary of political office holders, others

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that there is no approval from him for a 114 per cent increase in the salaries of political officer holders and judicial officers.

Some sections of the media (not The Eagle Online) reported the increase in the salary of some government officials.

The news was based on a report, also published by The Eagle Online in which the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission said it was still seeking the approval of the States Houses of Assemblies to effect the proposed 114 per cent increase in the salaries of political office holders and judicial officers.

Reacting to the development through his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake, President Tinubu distanced the Presidency from the report of the 114 per cent increase.

Alake, in a statement on Thursday, said: “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.

W”hile 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.

H”owever, 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.”