The Presidency has expressed anger over reports of whooping 114 per cent salary increase public officials in the country.
The report stated a 114% salary increase for President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, elected federal, state political office holders and judicial officers.
Specifically, the report say the upward review would increase President Tinubu’s monthly emolument from N3.515 million to N8.013 million and those of the Vice President, governors and lawmakers would also increase accordingly.
Reacting to the report, the Presidency said the ‘fake news’ was designed to create ill-will and slow down the momentum President Tinubu’s administration has started with.
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In a statement signed by Dele Alake, Special Adviser (Special Duties, Communications and Strategy), the government said President Tinubu has not approved any salary increase, and no such proposal has been brought to him for consideration.
“While we recognise that it is within the constitutional remit of 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, 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.
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“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, crosscheck their stories to ensure accurate reportage, which is the hallmark of responsible journalism,” the Presidency said.
