The Presidency has reacted to widespread reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff.
According to the report, it alleged that the President had appointed his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, as a replacement.
The reports, which gained traction on social media, sparked intense public discussion and speculation about an alleged shake-up within the Presidency.
Several posts claimed the decision was based on information from unnamed “insider” sources, raising concerns about possible internal changes at the highest level of government.
However, the Presidency has firmly denied the claim. It described the reports as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said there was no truth in the story circulating online.
“The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting 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. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely.
“The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff.”
The Presidency stressed that both officials continue to carry out their assigned duties without any change in status. It also warned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing confusion or tension within government circles.
According to Onanuga, the report was deliberately fabricated by individuals bent on spreading falsehood and creating unnecessary discord within the administration.
“The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government. We reiterate that news media should always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media,” he said.
The statement urged Nigerians to rely on official channels for credible information regarding government activities and appointments.
It also called on media organisations and social media users to exercise caution and professionalism in the handling of sensitive political information.
Femi Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was appointed Chief of Staff shortly after President Tinubu assumed office.
Hakeem Muri-Okunola, a former Lagos State Head of Service, currently serves as the President’s Principal Private Secretary.
