Aso Rock Reacts: Presidency Speaks On Alleged Coup, Says Economy Can’t Withstand Political Turmoil

The Presidency has warned that recent media reports alleging a coup plot are inflicting serious damage on Nigeria’s economy and undermining investor confidence.

Speaking on Arise News’ Prime Time programme on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, cautioned that sensational reports on national security issues could erode trust and tarnish the country’s global image.

“When a nation is seeking foreign investment and the media keep screaming ‘coup attempt,’ it frightens investors,” Onanuga said. “Such stories can destroy a country’s reputation and economy. We must rely on facts and evidence, not rumours.”

He urged journalists and the public to exercise restraint, emphasizing that investigations should be allowed to conclude before any assumptions are made.

Onanuga noted that while the military confirmed that some individuals had been arrested, “no credible evidence has been established linking them to any coup plot.”

He warned that publishing unverified claims could have “grave national consequences” and criticised what he described as a growing tendency among some media houses to prioritise sensationalism and online traffic over national stability.

“Some outlets ran with the story simply for clicks and attention,” he said. “But as patriotic Nigerians, we must understand that what we report has real implications for our economy and stability.”

While acknowledging the public’s distrust of official communication, Onanuga insisted that such skepticism should not justify spreading false or unverified information.

“It’s true that people don’t always trust the government — that happens everywhere — but the media have a social responsibility to be cautious and wait for verified facts,” he added.

His remarks come two weeks after Sahara Reporters published a story claiming that some military officers were plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Defence Headquarters swiftly dismissed the report, clarifying through its spokesperson, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, that the arrests mentioned were related to “issues of indiscipline,” not an attempted coup.