Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga has called ons security agencies to take action against fake news platforms abusing press freedom.

This was after some websites (Not MyNigeria) reported that President Bola Tinubu had sacked some ministers in his cabinet.

Those reportedly sacked included the Ministers of Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu.

According to the Renewed Hope Agenda United Kingdom, the report is completely false, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis.

The Tinubu affiliated group said at no point did the President dismiss the ministers.

"This falsehood, presented as breaking news, is nothing but reckless propaganda designed to misinform the public.

"To set the record straight, the most recent cabinet changes announced in October 2024 did not include the Ministers of Defence or Power. Those affected were Ministers of Women Affairs, Tourism, Education, State for Housing and Urban Development, and Youth Development. Furthermore, ten ministers were reassigned, and seven new nominees were presented for Senate confirmation, all of which were officially documented and widely reported by credible media platforms.

"Nigerians are strongly advised to ignore the concocted report by Phoenix Browser. It is fake news, plain and simple, sensationalist hogwash that should be treated with the contempt it deserves.

"Please depend on official government channels and trusted news outlets for accurate and verified information," the group said.

Quoting the group's statement, Onanuga stated that fake news must be criminalized.

He shared on X, "Security agencies must urgently take action against fake news websites and platforms and the purveyors who fail to check the authenticity of the stories and make them go viral. Press freedom and freedom of speech will not exist when some people can wake up and concoct their news and narratives without regard for truth. Fake news is simply licentiousness and must be criminalised."

ASA