The Presidency has dismissed as fake a statement circulating online, falsely attributed to President Bola Tinubu, which claims the Office of the First Lady will be scrapped, the presidential jet sold off, and the restoration of fuel and electricity subsidies, among other actions.
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, responded to the circulating statement, asserting that it is “fake” and did not originate from the Presidency.
“Based on recent inquiries, I wish to reiterate that this is fake and does not emanate from the Presidency,” Ngelale stated on Saturday evening.
The false statement, titled “Tinubu Speaks,” alleged that President Tinubu, while asking the planners of an impending protest for more time, announced various reforms. These included a 50% reduction in his salary and those of top government officials, consolidation of government ministries, reduction in the number of appointees, and the implementation of an e-governance system to reduce bureaucracy.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also urged Nigerians to ignore the fake news through his verified X handle @ananuga1956.
“Dear Nigerians,
False text of broadcast in circulation.
Please ignore the text of an alleged broadcast said to have been made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It is totally false. It is the handiwork of mischief makers, people bent on sowing confusion and chaos in our country. Please ignore it. President Tinubu has not made any broadcast,” Onanuga stated.
