FAKE NEWS: Muhammed Babangida Denies Rejecting President Tinubu’s Appointment

Muhammed Babangida has denied rejecting President Tinubu‘s appointment.

Newsone Nigeria reports that Muhammed Babangida, son of former Nigerian military president Ibrahim Babangida, has publicly affirmed his acceptance of the appointment as Chair of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), distancing himself from viral reports suggesting he declined the offer.

Mr Babangida, in a statement issued on Monday, described as “false and malicious” the social media reports purporting that he rejected the appointment made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said the claims were part of a deliberate effort to mislead the public and undermine the integrity of the current administration.

“We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the federal government, and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him,” the statement read.

The statement further warned that individuals responsible for spreading the misinformation would be identified and held accountable.

“We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering unity within our nation,” it added.

Babangida also urged Nigerians to be wary of false narratives and to verify news from credible and official sources before sharing.

The Presidency also refuted the claim that Babangida’s son rejected his recent appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture.

In a letter shared by Dele Momodu on Monday, Muhammed said he rejected the appointment.

However, in a post on X, a presidential media aide, Olusegun Dada, said Babangida dismissed the reports of the rejection as false.

“Muhammed Babangida Accepts BOA Chairmanship. Thanks President Tinubu

“Muhammed Babangida has officially accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust reposed in him.

“In a press statement released Monday, Babangida dismissed as false and malicious the reports circulating online suggesting he had rejected the appointment. He described such claims as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Tinubu administration.

“We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the federal government, and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him,” parts of Dada’s statement read.

The Presidency assured the public that those behind the fake reports would be identified and held accountable.

“We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering unity within our nation.

“The statement concluded with a call for Nigerians to remain discerning and to verify information from credible sources.

“Muhammed Babangida’s appointment was among several strategic appointments approved by President Tinubu to strengthen leadership across key government institutions,” the statement added.