…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake, has refuted reports claiming a salary increase for political office holders and judicial officers.
In a statement released on Thursday, Alake clarified that no such changes had been approved by President Tinubu, and the proposal had not been brought before him for consideration.
He emphasized that the misinformation was fabricated to create ill-will towards the new administration and undermine the positive momentum and goodwill it currently enjoys among Nigerians due to its dynamic and progressive policies.
Alake urged journalists, media managers, and the public to disregard unofficial stories and rely on approved official communication channels for accurate information.
RMAFC Explains Reasons behind Remuneration Review
Meanwhile, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) have shed light on the reasons behind their recommendation of a 114 percent increase in the basic salary for public office holders.
Hassan Mohammed Usman, the Federal Commissioner of RMAFC, explained during an interview on Arise TV that the remuneration review had been overdue since 2007 but had not been conducted for specific reasons.
He disclosed that for the past 15 years, the salaries of political, judicial, and public office holders had not undergone any review by the government.
Usman further stated that the review was based on the scientific increase of the consumer price index from 2008 to 2022, which indicated a 371 percent rise.
The RMAFC considers this significant increase in the cost of living when recommending adjustments to salaries.
The commission’s aim is to ensure that public office holders receive adequate compensation in line with prevailing economic conditions.
Conclusion:
Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, has refuted reports of a salary increase for politicians and judicial officers, emphasizing that no such proposal has been approved.
He urged media practitioners and the public to rely on official communication channels for accurate information.
Additionally, the RMAFC explained that their recommendation for an increase in basic salary was based on the significant rise in the consumer price index over the years.
The commission aims to ensure fair remuneration for public office holders in line with economic realities.