MULTIPLE digitally generated graphics have been circulated online with a claim that the recently inaugurated Nigerian president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced a reduction in the monthly allowance of corps members.
An alternative version of these graphics suggests that Tinubu has implemented a decrease in the monthly allowance of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, specifically reducing it from N33,000 to N25,000.
The claim is circulating following the swearing-in of Tinubu on Monday, May 29, 2023.
The claim has been circulated on various social media platforms including WhatsApp.
For instance, a Twitter user, Bayo Otedola tweeted the graphics with a caption that read:
“Did Tinubu really say this? Or na play?”
The tweet has generated over 260 retweets and more than 3,000 likes as of when the tweet was archived on May 31, 2023.
A Facebook user, Gabriel Enemona Oganaji posted the graphics with a caption that read:
“NYSC allowance to be reduced from 33k to 25k to fund Asuu.Tinubu. This Tinubu go worst pass buhari oh. This one na Yoruba version of shege pro max. Pepper dey inside this one Vawulence(sic).”
Similarly, a Facebook page, Just Imagine Nigeria posted the graphics with a caption that reads;
“#BreakingNews : NYSC ALLOWANCE TO BE REDUCED. Tinubu set to decrease “Allawee” as his 2nd act as president. I just hope this isn’t true o(sic).”
CLAIM
President Tinubu has reduced corps members allowance.
THE FINDINGS
Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.
After conducting an extensive online search, The FactCheckHub confirms that no reputable media platform in Nigeria has reported this story.
A close examination of the circulating graphics shows that they were generated using a tool called the Breaking News Generator.
This online resource allows users to create graphics that resemble news stories, especially for television platforms.
This particular graphic in question was produced via the website https://breakyourownnews.com. This website offers individuals the ability to generate graphics that simulate breaking news from a broadcast news platform. Users can upload a picture of their choice and customize the accompanying news headlines.
Nevertheless, the creator of the website explicitly stated that its purpose is for entertainment and not intended to defame or cause distress.
The creator emphasizes that the app is intended for fun, humor, and parody. Users are advised to exercise caution in creating content and to avoid generating anything that is unlawful, defamatory, or likely to cause distress.
THE VERDICT
The claim that Tinubu has reduced corps members allowance is FALSE; findings show that the graphics in circulation are digitally generated.
Nurudeen Akewushola is a fact-checker with FactCheckHub. He has authored several fact checks which have contributed to the fight against information disorder. You can reach him via [email protected] and @NurudeenAkewus1 via Twitter.
