• He accuses “political elements” of sponsoring harmful stories against the president
Written by Omololu Ogunmade
The presidency yesterday reportedly planned for some individuals to embark on what it described as a defamation campaign against President Muhammad Buhari to portray him as a leader not in charge of the country’s affairs.
The president’s special adviser to the media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said in a statement that the alleged plans, which will be fully implemented in the coming days, have already begun “from the acquired offshore media”.
The presidency has apparently responded to a December 22 issue of the London Financial Times, which claims Bukhari has no jurisdiction over the country, citing huge insecurities involving kidnappings, killings and mutilations in almost all parts of the country.
According to the Financial Times, Nigeria’s growing insecurity indicates that the country is rapidly becoming a failed state.
But Adesina accused the president’s slanderers of spending money to procure stories in the media with unsubstantiated allegations and consequently sow the seeds of discord in the country.
He called on Nigerians to understand the kind of stories they accept in the online media, saying Bukhari is determined to help the country the best it can, which is evident in the provision of infrastructure, the fight against insecurity and corruption by the government.
The statement read: “Dissatisfied political elements in the country, who are buying smart online media that will serve as accomplices in their scoundrels, are warning the general public of a campaign of slander against Mr. President and his office. to act.
“The game’s plan is to launch an orchestrated defamation campaign in the coming days, in which President Muhammad Bukhari would be portrayed as not in charge of the state, a narrative that the initiators have already started from the acquired offshore media.
“Money and other attractive incentives are competing in front of the online media, and some of them are already accomplices, cooking up stories with jejun and unfounded allegations, all in order to sow the seeds of discord and discontent in the country.”
“They are urged on Nigerians to be careful and prudent in what they consume as news and special reports of such online media, because they are in agreement with destabilizing agents, seeking final political gains.
“President Bukhari remains focused and unanimous in his determination to serve the country as best he can, bringing change to various aspects of our national life. This is already visible in infrastructure, which is seen on roads, railways, bridges, airports and many other steps around the country. Agriculture is another valuable testimony.
“The fight against corruption, insecurity and the reintroduction of the economy is also proceeding rapidly, and the Bukhara administration will not be hampered and will continue to serve with heart and strength, despite all the tricks.”