The Presidency has firmly pushed back against widespread reports claiming that three key ministers Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, and Adebayo Adelabu have been dismissed from office.
The trio, who currently oversee Defence and Power portfolios, were allegedly removed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over underperformance, according to multiple media outlets.
But the Presidency says that’s a lie. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, addressed the issue directly via his official X handle. He called the circulating claims fake and intentionally disruptive.
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According to him, “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 didn’t stop there.
“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 Presidency said.
The government’s reaction signals a growing intolerance for disinformation and hints at tougher penalties for those who spread unverified stories.