There has been no Presidential approval for any increase in the salaries of judges and civil servants.
This was the statement by Mr. Dele Alake, Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communication and Strategy to the President on Thursday.
This was in response to widespread reports of an increase in the remuneration of the judges and other federal government employees.
In a statement made available to the NPO Reports, Alake warned media outlets against unsubstantiated reports adding that it is the responsibility of journalists to verify.
“We have followed with consternation the viral story of the purported 114% increase in the salary of the President, Vice President, elected Federal and State political office holders and judicial officers,” he stated
He said that President Bola Tinubu has not approved any salary increase, and no such proposal has been brought before him for consideration.
He stated, “While we recognise that it is within the constitutional remit of Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (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.”
The Presidential Adviser said 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.
He said the fact that the news went wide is a testament to the spread of fake news in the media.
He added! “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.
“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.”