The Presidency has refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
The clarification follows the circulation of multiple unverified social media posts alleging a change in the Chief of Staff position, with some sources citing unnamed “insiders.”
In a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the government described the report as false and urged Nigerians to disregard it.
“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. There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely,” the statement read.
The statement emphasized that both Gbajabiamila and Muri-Okunola remain in their respective positions and that the report is a fabrication intended to sow discord within the government.
“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,” it added.
Onanuga also reminded media outlets and the public to verify information before publishing or sharing it online.
“The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government.
We reiterate that news media should always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media,” he said.
The Presidency’s clarification aims to put an end to speculation and ensure accurate reporting regarding the leadership structure within the President’s office.
