The Presidency has denied reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu plans to sack his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, in favour of his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
The clarification was issued on Thursday via the social media platform X and signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the claim circulating online is false and should be ignored.
“The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola,” the statement read.
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Onanuga affirmed that there has been no change in the Chief of Staff’s office, noting that both officials continue to serve in their current roles.
“There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely. The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff,” he said.
The Presidency described the report as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and sow discord within government ranks.
“The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government,” the statement added.
The Presidency further urged media organisations and the public to verify information before publishing or sharing reports, particularly on social media, stressing the need for professional standards in reporting.
