The Presidency has strongly dismissed claims circulating on social media that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was invited by the White House for a working visit but turned down the invitation.
The viral statement, which was purportedly signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, claimed Tinubu declined the offer due to pressing domestic matters and challenges relating to the presidential aircraft.
Presidency disowns viral statement
According to the fabricated statement, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government “respectfully declined the invitation, citing critical domestic priorities requiring the President’s immediate attention.
Additionally, logistical constraints, including the unsuitability of the presidential aircraft for long-distance travel, have contributed to this decision.”
It further claimed that the Nigerian government still values its relationship with the United States and is open to future engagements.
Disinformation agents will face the law – Onanuga
Reacting to the development, Onanuga took to X (formerly Twitter) to deny the statement and accused disinformation agents of spreading fake news for attention and mischief.
“Hoax peddlers and clickbaiters are at work again. Whoever you are, one day, the law will catch you,” Onanuga warned.
He emphasized that neither he nor the presidency issued such a statement and urged the public to disregard the fake content.
