The Presidency has dismissed as false a viral social-media claim suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Presidency said the claim was a fabrication and urged Nigerians to disregard it entirely.
“The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role,” the statement said, stressing that Muri-Okunola has not replaced Gbajabiamila in any capacity.
The clarification followed widespread circulation of the claim across social-media platforms, prompting speculation about changes within the President’s inner circle. The Presidency described the report as the handiwork of “mischievous purveyors of fake news” whose objective, it said, was to sow confusion and disharmony within government.
The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who reiterated the administration’s call on the media and the public to verify information before publishing or sharing it.
Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was appointed Chief of Staff at the start of President Tinubu’s administration, while Muri-Okunola serves as Principal Private Secretary to the President. According to the Presidency, there has been no change to either appointment.