Presidency Debunks Sacking Three Ministers, Says Press Freedom May Seize to Exist

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Presidency has debunked the widely circulated reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sacked three Ministers, the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu; the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, adding that if care is not taken the Press freedom and freedom of speech will seize to exist.

OTN News further reports that the special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga, earlier this week, expressed deep concern over the dangerous trend, describing the story as fabrication with no basis evidence.

OTN News recalls that the erroneous reports, which quickly gained traction on social media, claimed that President Tinubu had dismissed the three ministers, with the reports misled the public and triggered widespread speculation.

Subsequently, Onanuga describing the development as not only irresponsible but dangerous to national stability, called for decisive action against fake news merchants.

He said, “Security agencies must urgently take action against fake news websites and platforms and the purveyors who fail to check the authenticity of the stories and make them go viral"

He emphasised that unchecked falsehoods pose a threat to democratic values and the integrity of the press, warning that freedoms must be exercised with responsibility.

“Press freedom and freedom of speech will not exist when some people can wake up and concoct their news and narratives without regard for truth.

“Fake news is simply licentiousness and must be criminalised,”Onanuga said.

He, however, urged media organisations to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying information before publication and advised the public to rely on official sources for government-related updates.

OTN News gathered that all three ministers named in the false story continue to serve in their respective roles.