Olayinka Adeyemi
The Akwa Ibom State Government has denied claims by Sahara Reporters that 15 percent of workers’ salaries are being deducted as tithe.
The report had featured a remittance form and a letter allegedly from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, the government described the publication as “a reckless fabrication and a failed attempt to tarnish the image of the government and the Governor.”
The government noted that the documents pertain solely to the remuneration and statutory PAYE tax deductions of certain political appointees serving as personal aides to Governor Umo Eno.
Umanah explained, “These aides, including Honorary Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, and Project Supervisors, earn monthly salaries and allowances ranging between ₦200,000 and ₦1,432,000.”
He reiterated that Governor Umo Eno’s recent public statement confirmed a full Personal Assistant to the Governor earns no less than one million naira monthly.
Addressing the deductions highlighted in the report, the Commissioner emphasized, “The deductions are statutory tax obligations, not tithes. Every worker in Akwa Ibom, whether civil servant or political appointee, is obligated to pay Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes to the State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS). It is unfortunate that a legitimate tax payment has been twisted into a false narrative of ‘tithe’.”
The government condemned the publication as “mischievous and ill-motivated,” revealing that investigations are underway, with plans to pursue legal action against those responsible for the false report.
Commissioner Umanah urged the public to dismiss the story entirely and reaffirmed Governor administration’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of workers across the state.
He also warned Sahara Reporters and other media outlets against disseminating unverified and false information, stressing that the government will not hesitate to use all legal avenues to protect its integrity.
