The State House has issued a press statement, dated 22 June 2023, addressing the widespread circulation of a story claiming a 114% salary increase for the President, Vice President, elected Federal and State political office holders, and judicial officers.
The statement unequivocally asserts that President Bola Tinubu has not granted any approval for such a salary adjustment, and no proposal on the matter has been presented for his consideration.
While acknowledging the constitutional authority of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to propose and determine salaries and allowances for political office holders and Judicial Officers, the statement clarifies that any such changes must be duly considered and approved by the President before taking effect.
The Special Adviser Special duties, communications and strategy, Dele Alake, highlighted the response from RMAFC, which promptly addressed the misinformation through its Public Relations Manager, setting the record straight.
The statement underscored the dangers of fake news, emphasizing how this unfounded story gained prominence on social media and a section of the mainstream media.
It is evident that the misinformation was deliberately contrived to create ill-will towards the new administration and impede its momentum and the substantial goodwill it currently enjoys among Nigerians due to its fast-paced, dynamic, and progressive policies.
Dele Alake reiterated the importance of disregarding stories on government activities and policy issues that do not originate from approved official communication channels.
Journalists, media managers, and the public are urged to exercise diligence by cross-checking their stories to ensure accurate reportage, as this is a fundamental characteristic of responsible journalism.