The Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed claims that it deducts 15 per cent of workers’ salaries as tithe.

The report, which circulated over the weekend, cited payslips to challenge Governor Umo Eno’s assertion that none of his personal assistants earn less than ₦1 million per month.

It also quoted an appointee alleging that the governor mandates a 15 per cent monthly tithe, irrespective of church affiliation.

In response, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, issued a statement in Uyo on Sunday describing the report as “false, malicious, and irresponsible.”

He added that the publication was “a reckless fabrication, a deliberate falsehood, and a failed attempt to smear the government’s image and mislead the public.”

Umanah clarified that the document presented in the report, purportedly from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, relates only to statutory PAYE tax deductions for certain categories of personal aides, who are political appointees.

“For clarity, aides to the Governor—including Honorary Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, and Project Supervisors—receive monthly salaries and allowances ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1,432,000,” Umanah explained.

He also reaffirmed Governor Eno’s statement during a Town Square meeting in the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, noting that a full Personal Assistant earns no less than ₦1 million per month in salary and allowances.

Addressing the alleged tithe deductions, Umanah emphasised that the figures reflected routine statutory tax obligations, not tithes.

“Every worker in Akwa Ibom State, whether an appointee or civil servant, pays taxes. It is concerning that lawful tax remittance is being misrepresented as tithes,” he said.

The government confirmed that it is investigating the matter and promised to hold those responsible for the report accountable.

Umanah also warned media organisations against publishing unverified stories, stressing that the state will take legal action against those spreading false information.