Huge salary: Lawmakers target of misinformation, fake news, Reps say

The House of Representatives on Friday lamented that most information in circulation about the earnings of lawmakers was false, saying lawmakers’ earnings, like all public servants, are publicly available as set by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

The House was responding to a trending video on social media capturing a lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State, Rep. Abejide Leke, reeling out what is claimed to be the earnings of lawmakers.

In the video, Leke supposedly said he earns N2.5m as a basic salary, N5m for accommodation, N7.5m for furniture, N1.2m for newspapers, N621,000 for wardrobe, and N248,000 for recess.

But the spokesperson of the lower chamber, Akin Rotimi, in a statement, said a fact check revealed that the video was distorted to suit the purpose of fake news purveyors.

He explained that Leke was only raising a point of order on privilege concerning claims by one Adeola Fayehun at a plenary session.

The statement read: “In the original video, Rep. Abejide lamented that his privilege had been breached. The lawmaker brought the attention of the House to the social media commentator who made bogus claims about lawmakers’ earnings.

“Rep. Abejide further lamented that Fayehun, who is based in the United States, has made it a duty to misinform Nigerians, particularly his constituents, about happenings in the National Assembly.

“The lawmaker said Fayehun has continually instigated the people and urged the House leadership to take decisive action.”

Rotimi observed that the incident highlighted the dangers of disinformation, especially when targeted at parliamentarians.

According to him, fake news purveyors could distort facts to mislead the public and create confusion.

“It is essential for the public to verify information from credible sources before believing or sharing it. Misinformation can undermine trust in democratic institutions and disrupt the legislative process. By being vigilant and discerning, we can combat the spread of fake news and protect the integrity of our democracy.”

“Lawmakers’ earnings, like all public servants, are publicly available as set by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC),” he added.