Presidency Denies Ministers’ Sack, Orders Crackdown on ‘Fake News’ Platforms
The Nigerian Presidency has instructed security agencies to go after websites, digital platforms, and individuals involved in spreading fake news, especially those who circulate unverified reports.
This directive follows a viral claim on social media alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had dismissed key members of his cabinet. The report, widely circulated online, claimed that Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle had been sacked — a claim the Presidency has now debunked.
Citing a disclaimer issued by the pro-Tinubu group Renewed Hope United Kingdom via X (formerly Twitter), the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the report as false and called for legal action against its promoters.
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Onanuga stressed that unchecked dissemination of misinformation undermines the values of press freedom and responsible journalism. “Security agencies must urgently take action against fake news websites and platforms and the purveyors who fail to check the authenticity of the stories and make them go viral,” he stated.
He added, “Press freedom and freedom of speech will not exist when some people can wake up and concoct their news and narratives without regard for truth. Fake news is simply licentiousness and must be criminalised.”
The original fake report, attributed to Phoenix Browser, was titled “BREAKING: Tinubu Sacks Ministers of Defense and Power.” The Presidency has categorically refuted the claim, reaffirming that no such ministerial dismissals have taken place.
The government continues to warn against the dangers of misinformation and is urging media users and outlets to verify stories before publication or sharing.
By PRNigeria
