On Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, clarified that the President has no intentions of relocating the Federal Capital to Lagos. Onanuga criticized those spreading rumors, labeling them as dishonest individuals promoting ethnic and regional interests merely to gain attention.
He argued that those behind the campaign of falsehood are well aware that they are engaging in politics, albeit a perilous strategy aimed at creating divisions between the North and the South.
Onanuga emphasized the legal backing of Abuja as the Federal Capital and pointed to the recent relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to Lagos. He insisted that such administrative decisions should not be politicized, noting that FAAN’s move is not a complete relocation but a reasonable adjustment, considering Lagos’ status as the commercial capital and aviation hub of Nigeria.
Similarly, he downplayed the significance of moving some Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) departments to Lagos, highlighting that these departments deal with commercial banks, all of which have their headquarters in Lagos. Onanuga stressed the importance of regulators being in proximity to the businesses they oversee.
He criticized those perpetuating the campaign, stating that they are playing dangerous politics to create a North-South divide. Onanuga pointed out other parastatals not based in Abuja, such as NIMASA in Lagos, NPA in Lagos, and NIWA in Lokoja, questioning the logic of opposing the movement of certain agencies.
Onanuga urged against politicizing administrative decisions and cautioned against creating harmful rumors that distract from the broader agenda, particularly when led by a Southerner. He called for an end to such divisive politics and emphasized the need to refrain from politicizing everything.