Reps spokesperson condemns viral video targeting lawmakers 

The spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, on Friday, raised an alarm over what he described as the spread of disinformation by mischief makers with the intent to portray lawmakers in a bad light.

Rotimi raised the alarm against the backdrop of a viral video on social media quoting the lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi state, Leke Abejide as giving a breakdown of his monthly take-home pay as a federal lawmaker. 

Rotimi stated that salaries and allowances of legislators, like all public officers are fixed by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission and asked those interested to contact the commission. 

Recall that while at plenary on Tuesday, June 11, Abejide raised a point of order, saying his privilege had been breached by one Adeola Fayehun who allegedly spread false information on social media about his monthly take-home as a lawmaker. 

Abejide, who read out the figures being paraded on social media by the said Adeola Fayehun said it was the second time his constituents were pitched against him and called on the leadership of the House to step in or he would be forced to seek legal redress.

In the original video of the plenary, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had promised that the leadership of the House would address the issue.

However, in an edited viral video trending on social media, Abejide allegedly claimed that 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 among others. 

The House spokesman, however, said in a statement that the viral video was distorted.

“A fact check shows that the video was distorted to suit the purpose of fake news purveyors. So what really happened?

“Rep Abejide Leke was only raising a point of order on privilege concerning claims by one Adeola Fayehun. 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”.

According to him, “This incident highlights the dangers of disinformation, especially when targeted at parliamentarians. Fake news purveyors can 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,” he added.