Presidency Fires Back: No Orders Given To Northern Ministers To Defend Tinubu

The Presidency has rejected allegations that northern ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet were directed to aggressively defend the administration against increasing criticism from opposition parties.

This response follows reports claiming that the Presidency had issued directives to key political leaders, ministers, and top appointees to counter negative narratives from critics.

Addressing these claims, a Presidency official told Punch that northern ministers voicing support for Tinubu were merely fulfilling their official duties and were not under any pressure to do so.

The official emphasized that it is routine for public officeholders to address criticisms, particularly those related to the administration’s policies and governance.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, reinforced this stance, stating, “Those ministers are doing their jobs. No one instructed them to respond. They are simply carrying out their responsibilities. When misinformation spreads, someone must step in to correct it.”

He added, “As government officials, it’s their duty to speak on behalf of the administration. This responsibility doesn’t fall solely on the Minister of Information. Regardless of whether a minister is from the North, South, or East, they are expected to represent the government’s position.”