Former Lagos State Governor and Minister, Babatunde Fashola, has lodged a formal petition with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regarding a false and damaging publication aimed at tarnishing his character.
The misleading report, propagated on various social media platforms by individuals including Jackson Ude, Yoruba Sheikh, and Reportera, alleged that Fashola’s residence in Abuja had been cordoned off by soldiers. It further claimed that he was involved in writing a judgment for the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal regarding the 2023 presidential election.
This baseless assertion was promptly debunked as Fashola was conclusively verified to have been present at a social function in Lagos during the same period, as evidenced by photos shared by reliable sources.
In an official statement issued by Fashola’s aide, Hakeem Bello, on Monday, Fashola vehemently refuted the allegations, describing them as completely devoid of merit and harmful to his reputation.
The statement highlighted Fashola’s profound disappointment with the proliferation of false information on social media platforms and called for decisive action by security agencies against those responsible for the dissemination of fake news.
Fashola clarified that he had been physically absent from Abuja for an extended period, thereby rendering the claims entirely baseless. He raised concerns that such allegations could be part of a larger scheme to undermine the integrity of the judiciary, orchestrated by individuals seeking personal gains through the manipulation of this important institution.
Fashola stressed the urgency of uncovering the culprits behind this character attack and ensuring that both those directly responsible and their sponsors face appropriate legal repercussions.
The former minister’s response underscores his commitment to upholding his reputation and protecting the sanctity of public discourse. As part of his determination to address this matter, Fashola has formally communicated his concerns to the relevant Nigerian authorities, appealing for swift and just action against those peddling fake news to target his personality.
