Gbajabiamila still Chief of Staff, no replacement by Muri-Okunola, Presidency affirms

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Presidency has debunked a viral social media rumour claiming President Bola Tinubu had replaced Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila with Principal Private Secretary Hakeem Muri-Okunola, calling it a “fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news.”

In a statement issued on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the government urged Nigerians to ignore the falsehood entirely.

“There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely,” Onanuga wrote.

He reaffirmed the status quo, stating, “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 statement criticized the rumour’s intent and called for responsibility from media outlets, “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.”