The Presidency has dismissed reports alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, refuted widespread social media reports suggesting that the President’s Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, had taken over the role of Chief of Staff.
Onanuga clarified that there has been no change in the leadership structure of the Presidency, stressing that both officials remain in their respective positions.
“The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood claiming 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,” the statement read.
He further emphasized that “the Chief of Staff remains in office, and the Principal Private Secretary continues in his role. At no time was Gbajabiamila replaced.”
The Presidency described the report as a deliberate fabrication aimed at causing confusion and sowing discord within government circles, urging Nigerians to disregard the claim entirely.
Onanuga also cautioned media organizations and members of the public to always verify information before sharing, noting that the spread of unverified reports undermines public trust and responsible journalism.
“The viral claim is the handiwork of mischievous purveyors of fake news whose objective is to create disharmony. We urge the media and the public to verify information before publishing or circulating it,” he added.
