In November 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu introduced a tax reform bill aimed at addressing Nigeria’s fiscal challenges. While the bill has faced opposition from some northern leaders who argue that it could negatively impact their region’s economic stability, allegations suggesting retaliatory actions by the president have been debunked.
Recent posts on Facebook claimed that Tinubu withdrew security details from northern governors and ordered the closure of mosques in Lagos State to pressure them into supporting the controversial tax reform bill.
Northern Nigeria, comprising 19 states with a predominantly Muslim population, and Lagos, which also hosts a significant Muslim community, are critical regions in the country. Allegations like these could potentially ignite tension among their residents.
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One viral post began with the headline: “Breaking News: Tinubu Withdraws Security from Northern Governors, Orders Closure of Mosques in Lagos.” It further alleged that some northern governors were advocating for Tinubu’s impeachment, with others calling for a military intervention.
The claims circulated widely on social media, with similar posts appearing on various platforms. But how accurate are these allegations?
No Evidence of Such Actions
There is no credible evidence to support the claims that Tinubu has withdrawn security details from northern governors or closed mosques in Lagos. President Tinubu, himself a practicing Muslim, is unlikely to order such measures, especially considering his long-standing ties to Lagos, where he served as governor for two terms before becoming president.
The Facebook posts fail to provide specific details about when or where the alleged orders were issued. This omission raises suspicions that the claims were fabricated to incite public unrest.
Moreover, the withdrawal of security details from northern governors would have significant implications for their safety and governance. Such an act would undoubtedly have attracted widespread media attention, both locally and internationally. Yet, no credible reports corroborate these claims.
False Claims Designed to Mislead
The allegations appear to be baseless and intended to fuel social discord. The absence of reliable sources or documentation further undermines their credibility.
This false narrative has been shared across multiple platforms, perpetuating misinformation without any substantiating evidence. It serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying the authenticity of online content before accepting it as fact.
Conclusion
The claims that President Bola Tinubu withdrew security details from northern governors or closed mosques in Lagos are false. There is no credible evidence to substantiate these allegations, which seem designed to sow division and provoke unrest. Nigerians are urged to rely on verified news sources and exercise caution when engaging with unsubstantiated online claims.
