FG debunks news of Burna Boy, others receiving national honours

Over the weekend, a number of names that were allegedly on the list of Nigerians who will receive national awards were widely reported in the Nigerian media.

However, the list of nominations has drawn criticism, particularly about the level of those up for honours. The list of nominees has now gone viral on the Internet.

However, the government rejected the list in a statement issued by Julie Jacobs, Director of Press for the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, claiming that the list would be made public at the proper time and through the appropriate media.

She urged the general public to ignore the list since it is an effort by overzealous reporters who want to break news, even if it is false, in the brief statement she provided to The PUNCH.

The statement read, “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs has been drawn to a purported list of nominees for National Honours being circulated by some online media organisations.

“While it is true that President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, will be conferring National Honours on deserving Nigerians and friends of Nigeria on 11th October 2022, the authentic list of nominees is yet to be released to the public. The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs will publish the list at the appropriate time and medium.

“Members of the public are hereby enjoined to discountenance the list in circulation as it is an attempt by overzealous reporters whose aim is to break news even when such news is fake.”

According to the list, Burna Boy is meant to be honoured with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR)