THE LAGOS STATE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT OFFICE (LSWMO), YESTERDAY, SEALED OFF SOME BUILDINGS/PROPERTIES ACROSS THE STATE OVER DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL INFRACTIONS.(PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE
The Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed reports alleging that 15% of workers’ salaries are being deducted as compulsory tithes, labeling the claims as false and malicious.
The report, published on Saturday, cited payslips to challenge Governor Umo Eno’s assertion that none of his personal assistants earns less than ₦1 million monthly. It further alleged that the governor mandates a 15% salary deduction as tithe, regardless of workers’ religious affiliations.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Uyo, Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, described the report as “a reckless fabrication” and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the government and Governor Eno. He clarified that the referenced document, purportedly from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, related only to statutory Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax deductions for certain categories of political appointees, not tithes.
Umanah explained that aides to the governor, including Honorary Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, and Project Supervisors, earn gross monthly salaries and allowances ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1,432,000. He affirmed that, as stated by Governor Eno during a recent Town Square meeting in Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, full Personal Assistants earn at least ₦1 million monthly in salary and allowances.
Addressing the alleged deductions, Umanah emphasized that they were standard tax obligations, not religious contributions. “Every worker in Akwa Ibom State, whether an appointee or civil servant, pays taxes, as do private sector workers. Why is the routine payment of tax, a constitutional duty, being twisted to mean tithes?” he questioned.
The government announced that the matter is under investigation, with steps being taken to hold those responsible for the report accountable. Umanah urged the public to disregard the story, reaffirming the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and workers’ welfare. He also warned media outlets against spreading unverified information, stating that the government would pursue legal action against purveyors of fake news.
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