The Presidency has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu intends to replace his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the circulating reports as false.

“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.

Onanuga stressed that both officials continue to hold their respective positions. “There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely. 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,” he added.

The Presidency described the report as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create tension 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,” the statement noted.

Onanuga also cautioned media and the public against spreading unverified information, urging news organisations to confirm facts before publishing or sharing reports.