Presidency debunks reports of Gbajabiamila’s replacement as Chief of Staff

The Presidency on Thursday dismissed as false the widespread reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had removed his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and replaced him with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the reports, which circulated widely on social media on Thursday, as a “viral falsehood” with no basis in fact, urging Nigerians to disregard them entirely.

“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,” the statement said.

It stressed that there was “absolutely no truth to this story,” clarifying that both officials remain firmly in their respective positions.

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 stated.

According to the statement, the claim was a deliberate fabrication aimed at sowing discord within the government, describing those behind it as “mischievous purveyors of fake news” bent on creating disharmony.

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The Presidency also used the opportunity to caution the media and social media users on the dangers of spreading unverified information, urging journalists and platforms to uphold professional standards of verification before publishing or sharing reports.