Nigeria’s presidency has refuted claims of President Bola Tinubu approving a proposed 114 percent salary increase for certain officers, as put forward by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Responsibility Commission (RMAFC).
In a statement released by Dele Alake, the Special Adviser for Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, it was clarified that no such proposal had been presented to the president for consideration.
The RMAFC had suggested a substantial raise in the salaries of elected politicians, including the President, Vice President, governors, lawmakers, as well as judicial and public office holders.
However, the presidency vehemently denied any involvement in such a decision.
“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,” Alake emphasized.
While acknowledging the constitutional authority of the RMAFC to propose and determine the salaries and allowances of political office holders and judicial officers, Alake pointed out that such proposals must undergo the President’s scrutiny and approval to come into effect.
Responding to the circulating misinformation, Alake highlighted the importance of setting the record straight. He also expressed concern over the proliferation of fake news, emphasizing the harm it poses to society and the nation’s well-being.
“This unfounded story gaining prominence on social media and in a section of the mainstream media brings to the fore the danger fake news poses to the society and our national well-being,” Alake cautioned.
Alake further asserted that the false narrative aimed to undermine the government’s credibility and erode the positive momentum and goodwill that the Tinubu-led administration currently enjoys among Nigerians.
Despite these challenges, Alake reassured the public that the administration remains committed to implementing progressive policies for the betterment of the country and its citizens.
