FG debunks approval of salary increases for political office holders, judicial officers

The Federal Government (FG) has said the news making it round that President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increment for political office holders as well as judicial officers was not true.

FG in a statement by the Special Adviser to Tinubu on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake maintained that such a proposal has not been brought before the president for consideration.

“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,” the statement added. 

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“While we recognize 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.”

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According to Alake, the fake news was contrived to create an ill will for Tinhbu’s led administration and slow down the upward momentum and massive goodwill his administration is currently enjoying among Nigerians as a result of its fast-paced, dynamic, and progressive policies.

He urged the public, and media outlets to disregard stories on government activities and policy issues that do not emanate from approved official communication channels.

“Media practitioners are enjoined to, at all times, cross-check their stories to ensure accurate reportage, which is the hallmark of responsible journalism,” he said.