Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, says his principal has not slashed his salary and allowances by 50 percent.
On Saturday, a write-up credited to Tinubu appeared on X claiming that the president had announced a 50 percent reduction in his salary, the sale of some presidential aircraft, and the return of fuel and electricity subsidies.
In the speech, the author said Tinubu urged Kashim Shettima, the vice-president, and Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, to follow in his footsteps in the interest of the country.
“Effective immediately, I am announcing a 50% reduction in my salary and all other emoluments. I call upon the Vice President, Senate President, and all other top government officials to follow suit. We who have been entrusted with leadership must be the first to make sacrifices for the good of our nation,” the viral post reads in part.
“In the spirit of fiscal responsibility, I am also announcing the following measures: the Office of the First Lady will be scrapped to reduce unnecessary expenditures. We will sell off several presidential aircraft that are currently idle, retaining only those essential for official duties.
“Government ministries will be consolidated, with a maximum of 36 ministers to streamline operations and reduce costs. Fuel and electricity subsidies will be restored to provide immediate relief to our citizens, while we work on long-term solutions to our energy challenges.”
The author of the speech claimed that Tinubu implored those behind the planned protest to shelve the nationwide demonstrations.
“To our youth who have planned protests under the #endbadgovernment banner, I hear your frustrations. I understand your anger. But I implore you to give us a chance to implement these reforms. Let us channel our collective energy into rebuilding our nation rather than further dividing it. The road ahead will not be easy. It will require sacrifice and patience from all of us,” the post read.
But, in a tweet via his X handle on Saturday evening, Onanuga described the purported speech as the “handiwork of mischief makers”.
Tinubu’s aide advised Nigerians to disregard the content of the speech which he titled, “false text of broadcast in circulation”.
Dear Nigerians
False text of broadcast in circulation
Please ignore the text of an alleged broadcast said to have been made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It is totally false. It is the handiwork of mischief makers, people bent on sowing confusion and chaos in our country.… pic.twitter.com/4R95CiQ1sf
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) July 27, 2024
“Please ignore the text of an alleged broadcast said to have been made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Onanuga said.
“It is totally false. It is the handiwork of mischief makers, people bent on sowing confusion and chaos in our country. Please ignore it. President Tinubu has not made any broadcast.”
