The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has refuted rumors circulating on social media suggesting plans to relocate the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Lagos. This denial comes in response to speculations triggered by the recent move of some departments under the Ministry of Aviation, specifically the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to Lagos.
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Onanuga clarified that the rumor initially surfaced during the 2023 general elections campaign and was debunked at that time. He emphasized that President Tinubu has no intention of relocating the Federal Capital to Lagos, dismissing the latest claims as dishonest and fueled by political motives.
The adviser addressed the recent relocation of FAAN departments to Lagos, emphasizing that this administrative move does not equate to moving the entire FCT to Lagos. He highlighted that FAAN’s presence in Lagos is logical, considering the city’s status as the commercial capital and aviation hub of Nigeria. Onanuga assured that FAAN would maintain a presence in Abuja despite the relocation.
Additionally, Onanuga addressed the movement of some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos, stating that the departments work directly with commercial banks headquartered in Lagos. He argued that regulatory bodies should be close to the businesses they regulate, making the move reasonable.
Onanuga accused those spreading these rumors of playing dangerous politics and attempting to create divisions between the North and the South. He urged against politicizing administrative decisions, emphasizing the need to avoid distracting from broader governance issues with unfounded rumors.
The denial by the Special Adviser aims to put an end to the speculations and reinforce the commitment to stable governance without unnecessary politicization of routine administrative decisions.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
