The Presidency has said that circulating reports of an alleged attempted coup could harm Nigeria’s economy and deter potential foreign investors.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga issued the warning during an interview on Thursday urging the public and media outlets to avoid spreading unverified claims, noting that such reports could damage the country’s international reputation.
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“When a country is seeking investment and the media are shouting ‘coup attempt,’ it scares investors away,” he said.
“Stories like that can destroy the country’s reputation and economy. We need to wait for facts and evidence, not rumours.”
He confirmed that while some arrests were made, no credible evidence linking the individuals to a coup attempt has been established.
“Some media outlets ran with the story for clicks and attention. As patriotic Nigerians, we must understand that what we report has implications for our economy and stability,” he added.
This follows reports alleging that some military officers, including a Brigadier General, were involved in a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claims later dismissed by the Defence Headquarters.