By ISMAIL ABDULAZIZ

The presidency has said that President Bola Tinubu has not approved any salary increase purportedly emanating from the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Responsibility Commission (RMAFC) of 114 per cent for certain officers.

A statement by Mr Dele Alake, Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, said that no such proposal had been brought to the president for consideration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there has been a viral story of the purported 114 per cent 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.

“While we recognise that it is within the constitutional remit of RMFAC 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,” Alake said.

He added that the misinformation was aimed at creating ill-will for the government, adding it was to slow down the upward momentum and goodwill the Tinubu-led administration is currently enjoying among Nigerians.

Alake said that the administration would continue to implement “fast paced, dynamic and progressive policies” for the general good of the country and its citizens.

“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,” Alake said. (NAN)

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