The repeated pattern of deception by senior officials in the current administration represents a profound betrayal of public trust and a dereliction of duty that demands unequivocal condemnation.
In November 2025, following the ambush and killing of Brigadier-General Musa Uba by ISWAP in Borno State, the military issued categorical denials of his capture or death, branding early reports as “fake news” and insisting he had safely returned to base.
Only days later, after insurgent claims and video evidence emerged, did President Bola Tinubu confirmed the tragic loss. Such initial deception and falsehood not only dishonour a fallen officer, but also erode morale among serving troops and families left grieving, without transparency.
Similarly, the unexplained detention of, at least, 16 senior military officers in October 2025, amid widespread reports of a foiled coup plot, triggered a major leadership shake‑up, yet official explanations remained vague and contradictory, fuelling speculation and public distrust.
President Tinubu publicly declared in September 2025 that revenue targets had been met ahead of schedule, asserting that Nigeria had ceased borrowing to fund the budget. However, this stands in stark contrast with the government borrowing activity.
By October 2025, the Federal Government had borrowed at least ₦17.36 trillion from domestic and external sources, exceeding approved targets by a wide margin. There are continued plans showing borrowing approaching ₦17.89 trillion for the 2026 Budget, signalling ongoing fiscal reliance on debt.
The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, later contradicted earlier claims, disclosing a staggering shortfall; federal revenues were projected to close at merely ₦10.7 trillion against a ₦40.8 trillion target, necessitating extensive borrowing.
Regrettably, this candid disclosure appears to have prompted the reassignment of his core responsibilities to the Minister of State for Finance. It seems that deception has taken the centre stage and speaking the truth has become an offence under the current administration.
Most alarmingly, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police dismissed reports of 177 worshippers abducted from churches on Sunday, 18 January 2026, in Kurmin Wali as “falsehoods” peddled by troublemakers. Only after public outcry and independent verification did the Nigeria Police Force admitted that the mass kidnapping had indeed occurred.
A government that persistently denies visible realities of military losses, security failures, fiscal shortfalls and criminal acts cannot credibly claim public trust in its management of funds or economic stewardship. It is therefore unsurprising that capital projects budgeted for 2024 are now slated for execution or, at least, completion in 2026, a prospect that rightly invites scepticism. Lies fuel corruption.
This culture of mendacity and deception undermine democracy, fosters cynicism and endangers national security. Nigerians deserve leaders who speak the truth, uphold honour and prioritise the welfare of the people over propaganda. Such deceit must cease accountability and integrity are non‑negotiable.
•Aduwo is the Permanent Representative/President of United Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity (CCDI) to the United Nations. CCDI is a non‑profit organisation registered in Nigeria and the United States, with Consultative Status of ECOSOC/United Nations.
