The presidency has vehemently denied the allegation that President Bola Tinubu approved a staggering 114% increase in the salaries of various political office holders, including the President, Vice President, elected federal and state politicians, as well as judicial officers. The denial came from Dele Alake, President Bola Tinubu's Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, in a statement issued on Thursday.
The controversy arose following statements made by Muhammad Shehu, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), who announced on Tuesday that salaries of politicians, judicial officers, and public office holders would be raised by 114%. Shehu made this announcement while presenting the reports of the reviewed remuneration package to Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.
However, civil society organizations, law lecturers, and Senator Shehu Sani criticized the proposed increase, arguing that it was the ordinary workers who deserved a significant wage increment, given the current state of their take-home pay. RMAFC Chairman Shehu, represented by Rakiya Tanko-Ayuba, a federal commissioner in the commission, clarified that the implementation of the reviewed remuneration packages would be effective from January 1, 2023. He also cited the constitutional provision in paragraph 32(d) of part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Government (as amended) to justify the proposed increase.
In response to the controversy, Dele Alake categorically denied the approval of any salary increase by President Bola Tinubu. He stated that such a proposal had not been brought before Tinubu for consideration, dismissing the report as fake. Alake emphasized that while the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission had the authority to propose and determine salaries and allowances of political office holders and judicial officers, any such proposal required the President's consideration and approval before taking effect.
Alake further highlighted the danger of fake news in society, noting that the circulation of this baseless story on social media and in some sections of the mainstream media was intended to create ill will towards the new administration and undermine the progress and positive reception it has garnered through its dynamic and progressive policies.
In conclusion, Alake urged journalists, media managers, and the public to disregard any information regarding government activities and policy issues that do not originate from approved official communication channels.
