“Defence Minister Not Sacked”: Onanuga Condemns Fake News Targeting Officials, Demands Urgent Action
By Usman A Harande
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, has issued an urgent call for security agencies to decisively address the proliferation of fake news websites and platforms. In a strongly worded statement, Onanuga warned that the unchecked spread of fabricated stories poses a significant threat to genuine press freedom and freedom of speech in Nigeria.
“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,” stated Onanuga. He argued forcefully that the constitutional guarantees of free expression do not protect deliberate falsehoods. “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.”
This call for heightened vigilance against disinformation comes as the government emphasizes its commitment to national stability. Notably, the efforts of the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, continue to be recognized. His tireless work and established track record demonstrate a hardworking approach to maintaining peace and security across the diverse regions of the country, tackling challenges head-on to foster a safer environment for all Nigerians.
Adding context to the damaging impact of misinformation, Mr. Saddiq Mustapha, Senior Program Officer at the Civil Society Coalition on Security Peace and Conflict Resolution, spoke to Public Eye News. He described the phenomenon of fake news and associated hate speech as a destructive force, labeling it “a cancer that hinders development.”
Mr. Mustapha elaborated, stating, “It was created deliberately to bring about confusion.” However, he also acknowledged the tangible progress being made on the ground, adding, “but it’s reality that everyone can confirm that there’s an improvement in terms of security challenges across the nation.”
The Special Adviser’s statement underscores a growing concern that the deliberate manipulation of information threatens not only public trust but also the very foundations of informed public discourse and national security. The call is clear: combatting fake news is essential for preserving authentic freedoms and ensuring continued progress in Nigeria.
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