The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, has confirmed that it does not have the power to stop President Muhammadu Buhari or any other political office holder from taking a salary cut.
This was stated by the Head of Public Relations RMAFC, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed, in a telephone interview with The Punch on Monday.
There have been divergent views over the constitutionality of the move by the President and his vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, with many arguing that it was the constitutional responsibility of RMAFC to fix the salaries and allowances of political and public office holders.
However, Mohammed said RMAFC cannot stop Buhari or any other political office holders from voluntarily giving up part of their emoluments even though the agency was aware of its constitutional responsibility.
He said: “The constitution is clear on who determines the salaries and wages of public office holders. However, we cannot stop any political office holder who wants to do charity from giving up part of their entitlements.
“It is a voluntary thing. Before the President took the step, the governor of Kaduna State and another governor had also announced 50 per cent reduction in their salaries and allowances.
“Since we have started the process for the review of the salaries and allowances of political office holders in the country, we take these actions as their inputs towards the review exercise.”
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