The Presidency has broken its silence on recent reports of an alleged coup plot, warning that such unverified stories are damaging Nigeria’s economy and discouraging foreign investment.
Speaking on Arise News Prime Time on Thursday evening, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, cautioned that sensational media coverage on matters of national security could undermine investor confidence and tarnish the country’s global image.
“When a country is looking for investment and the media are shouting ‘coup attempt,’ it scares investors away,” Onanuga said.
“Stories like that can destroy the country’s reputation and economy. We need to wait for facts, evidence, not rumours.”
Onanuga urged journalists and the public to exercise restraint and allow official investigations to conclude before circulating sensitive information.
According to him, while the military had confirmed an ongoing investigation involving some arrests, no credible evidence had yet been found linking the suspects to any coup attempt.
He warned that drawing premature conclusions before official statements could have “grave consequences for national stability.”
The presidential aide also criticized what he described as the media’s “growing appetite for sensationalism,” noting that many outlets now prioritize online traffic over professional responsibility.
“Some media outlets ran with the story for clicks and attention. But as patriotic Nigerians, we must know that what we report has implications for our economy and stability,” he said.
Acknowledging that public skepticism toward government statements exists, Onanuga maintained that mistrust should not justify publishing unverified or inflammatory claims.
“It’s true people don’t always trust government — that happens everywhere in the world. But the media also have a social responsibility to be cautious and wait for facts,” he stated.
His comments come about two weeks after Sahara Reporters published a report alleging that some military officers were plotting to overthrow the government — a claim the Defence Headquarters swiftly dismissed.
In response, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, said the reported arrests were related to “issues of indiscipline” within the ranks and not part of any coup plot. He described the report as “intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
The Defence Headquarters reiterated that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain loyal to the constitution and committed to the protection of democracy.
The controversy unfolds amid growing anxiety in West Africa, where a series of military takeovers in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have fueled concerns about democratic stability across the region.
