The Presidency has firmly rejected reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is preparing to remove his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and appoint his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, as a replacement.

In a statement issued on Thursday via the social media platform X, the Presidency described the reports as false and misleading. The statement was signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the Presidency, the rumour, which has been circulating widely on social media, has no basis in fact and should be ignored by the public.

“The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a false story making the rounds on social media, alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola,” the statement read.

Onanuga made it clear that no changes have been made to the current leadership structure within the Presidency. He emphasized that both Gbajabiamila and Muri-Okunola continue to serve in their respective positions.

“There is no truth whatsoever to this claim. Nigerians are advised to disregard it completely. The Chief of Staff remains in office, and the Principal Private Secretary continues in his assigned role. At no point has Hakeem Muri-Okunola replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff,” he stated.

The Presidency further described the report as a deliberate fabrication aimed at misleading the public and stirring unnecessary tension within government circles.

According to the statement, the false claim was spread by individuals intent on creating confusion and undermining internal harmony within the administration.

The Presidency also used the opportunity to caution media organisations and members of the public against amplifying unverified information. It urged journalists and online users to uphold professional standards by confirming facts before publishing or sharing reports, particularly on social media platforms where misinformation can spread rapidly.