The Presidency has dismissed as untrue reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, with the President’s Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
The clarification was issued on Thursday following the circulation of multiple social media posts alleging a shake-up within the President’s inner circle.
The rumours, which spread rapidly online, suggested that Gbajabiamila had been removed from office and substituted with Muri-Okunola.
Reacting to the claims, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the reports as completely false and urged Nigerians to ignore them.
In a statement released by the Presidency, Onanuga stressed that no such change had occurred and that both officials remain in their respective positions.
According to the statement, President Tinubu has not taken any decision to replace his Chief of Staff, and Femi Gbajabiamila continues to discharge his duties as head of the President’s administrative office.
It also clarified that Hakeem Muri-Okunola remained the Principal Private Secretary and has not assumed the role of Chief of Staff.
The Presidency accused those behind the reports of deliberately spreading misinformation in an attempt to create confusion and internal discord within the government.
It warned that such unverified claims undermine public trust and distort factual information.
Onanuga further appealed to media organisations and social media users to exercise caution and professionalism by verifying information from credible sources before publication or sharing.
He emphasised that official appointments and changes within the Presidency are always communicated through recognised government channels.
The statement reassured the public that there has been no alteration in the leadership structure of the President’s office and that the administration remains focused on its responsibilities.
