By Christopher Sunday
voxnews.com.ng
Abuja, April 30, 2025 – The Presidency has firmly debunked a viral report claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sacked three key ministers: the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
Describing the report as “entirely false” and “malicious,” the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, warned against the rising tide of fake news in the country. According to him, the circulating story is a product of “deliberate misinformation intended to mislead the public, incite confusion, and tarnish the image of the Federal Government.”
Mr. Onanuga emphasized the dangers of unchecked false narratives and called for decisive action against purveyors of fake news. He noted:
“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. 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 clarified that all affected ministers are still in office and continue to discharge their duties in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It further urged media practitioners and citizens alike to verify sensitive information through credible and official sources before dissemination.
This development underscores the ongoing challenge of misinformation in Nigeria’s media landscape and the need for collective responsibility in protecting the integrity of public information.
