The Nigerian Presidency has officially debunked widespread reports claiming that Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, has been appointed as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). These clarifications were issued following unverified reports that went viral online, alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had appointed Bala Usman to replace the current SGF, Senator George Akume. The unconfirmed reports further suggested that Senator Akume had been reassigned as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

In a swift and definitive response, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, categorically debunked the claim, labeling it “fake news.” Onanuga urged the public to be wary of spreading misinformation, emphasizing the integrity of official communications. He stated late Friday, in a statement titled ‘Akume Remains SGF,’ that “There has been no change in the status of His Excellency, Senator George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”

Onanuga’s statement further clarified the situation regarding the President’s activities, noting, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, currently in Saint Lucia, has not made any new appointments. The information circulating about Akume’s replacement is untrue. Agents of mischief fabricated it.” This presidential denial comes amidst some premature celebrations by various women’s groups who had welcomed the earlier (now discredited) reports as a significant milestone for gender representation at the highest level of governance in Nigeria.

Hadiza Bala Usman, who previously served as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and is a prominent advocate for public sector reform, currently serves as the President’s chief adviser on policy coordination. The Presidency reaffirmed that she has not been appointed SGF. To combat the proliferation of false claims, the Presidency has strongly advised Nigerians and media platforms alike to verify any information from official sources and to refrain from amplifying unconfirmed reports.