The Atiku Media Office has accused the presidency of using one Kola Johnson to issue false statements and attribute same to former Vice-president Atiku Abubakar who is chieftain of the opposition Africa Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a press release from the Atiku Media Office, signed by Paul Ibe stated that Atiku Abubakar disclaimed the said Kola Johnson adding he has never been engaged as a media consultant or aid, adding that all statements issued by him purporting to be in the name of the former Vice-president are fake and done to smear his name.
“We have observed with concern a certain self-styled “media consultant,” one Kola Johnson, issuing press releases in the name of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“Our findings point directly to the Presidency, which in its desperation to smear opposition leaders, has resorted to hiring faceless mercenaries to fabricate fake stories and circulate unauthorized statements on Atiku.
“Particularly offensive is the false claim attributed to this individual that an Atiku administration would be dominated by a single ethnic group. This disinformation is part of a calculated propaganda project designed to ridicule Atiku in the media.
“Let it be clear: Atiku Abubakar has never engaged one Kola Johnson as a media consultant, aide, or associate. Any statement issued in that name is fake and should be disregarded. We urge media houses that have published such falsehoods to immediately retract them.”
While appealing to journalists and media organisations to be vigilante, the statement urged the general public, editors and media gatekeepers to verify any statement not sighed by Akitu’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe or the Special Assistant on Public Communication before publication.
“We caution Nigerians, especially the media, to remain vigilant against the propaganda schemes of the Tinubu administration, which now include circulating fabricated statements through compromised journalists.
“For the record, authentic information from Atiku Abubakar is only released through the Atiku Media Office, signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, or the Special Assistant on Public Communications. Editors and media gatekeepers are strongly advised to verify with the AMO before publication.”