The Presidency has dismissed as false a viral report circulating on social media claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
The clarification was issued in a statement released on Thursday, December 25, 2025, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the claim is entirely unfounded and should be disregarded by the public.
“There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely,” Onanuga said.
He stressed that there has been no change in the leadership structure of the President’s office, adding 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 presidential spokesman stated.
Onanuga described the viral report as a deliberate fabrication by purveyors of fake news, aimed at stirring unnecessary tension and disharmony within the government.
“The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government,” he said.
He also urged media organisations and social media users to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publishing or sharing reports.
“We reiterate that news media should always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media,” Onanuga added.
The Presidency reassured Nigerians of its commitment to transparency and accurate communication, while cautioning against the spread of unverified information capable of misleading the public.
