By Tunji Wusu –
The Federal Government has refuted reports that pay for judges, public servants, and politicians will grow by 114%.
On Tuesday, a report alleging a 114 percent salary raise went viral, with many citing the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) as saying “the salaries of politicians, judicial and public office holders will be increased by 114 percent”.
The chairman of RMAFC, Mr. Muhammad Shehu, was further reported in the papers as saying that “the move was in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 32(d) of part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 constitution (as amended) while noting that the review of the remuneration packages was long overdue.”
However, the RMAFC denied making such a recommendation on Wednesday.
Dele Alake, President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser for special duties, communications, and strategy, denied the allegations on Thursday, saying that the president had not approved a pay raise for anyone holding judicial and political office.
“We have followed with alarm the viral story of the alleged 114% increase in the salary of the President, Vice President, elected officials in the federal and state governments, and judicial officers,” the statement continues.
“We categorically clarify that neither President Bola Tinubu nor any such suggestion have been presented to him for consideration about any pay rise.
“While we acknowledge that the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission has the constitutional authority to propose and fix the salaries and allowances of political office holders and judicial officers, such measures cannot take effect until they have also been taken into consideration and approved by the President.
It’s vital to mention that RMAFC replied to the false information being spread and had clarified the situation through its public relations manager. However, the fact that this untrue narrative acquired popularity on social media and in a segment of mainstream media once more highlights the threat that false news poses to society and our country’s well-being.
He claimed that the false information was deliberately spread to harm the incoming Tinubu-led government.
“The misinformation was, obviously, fabricated to sow discord for the new administration, to halt the upward trend and enormous goodwill the Tinubu-led administration is currently experiencing among Nigerians as a result of its swift, dynamic, and progressive policies, and to undermine the administration’s ability to move forward.
“It is critical to stress to journalists, media executives, and the general public that news about government actions and policy matters that does not come from authorized official channels should be disregarded.
The hallmark of responsible journalism, he added, is factual reporting, thus he urged media professionals to always double-check their work.
