FACT CHECK: Viral “Trump Post” Blasting Tinubu Over Maiduguri Bombings is Fake

LAGOS — A viral image circulating on social media, purportedly showing a post by former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been confirmed as false and digitally manipulated.

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The image, which appeared online late Monday, March 16, 2026, claimed to be a post from Trump’s Truth Social account reacting to a deadly wave of bombings in Maiduguri. While the attacks themselves are real, the alleged international rebuke is entirely fabricated.

Hoax Exposed

The fake post alleged that Trump described Nigeria’s situation as a “TOTAL DISASTER” and criticized Tinubu for being on a “State Visit” to the United Kingdom during a supposed “STATE OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY.”

However, multiple inconsistencies quickly exposed the claim:

Timeline Discrepancy: The post referenced events occurring while Tinubu was already abroad. In reality, the President only departed Abuja for London on Tuesday, March 17—hours after the image began trending.

Design Errors: Analysts identified a suspicious “whitehouse.gov” button embedded in the image—an element not present on the Truth Social platform.

No Verifiable Source: A thorough review of Trump’s official social media accounts and global media reports shows no record of such a statement.

Tinubu’s UK Visit Continues

Despite the security situation at home, the Presidency has confirmed that Tinubu’s scheduled state visit to the United Kingdom will proceed.

The Nigerian leader is expected to be received by King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, March 18. The visit marks a notable diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the UK.

The widely shared “Trump post” is a deliberate misinformation attempt, exploiting a real national tragedy to spread false political narratives. Authorities and media observers continue to urge the public to verify information before sharing.

TO MY BROTHER BOBBY DEE by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode 

For my brother Bobby Dee (Chief Dele Momodu) to compare President Tinubu to General Sani Abacha and claim that he is a dictator suggests that he is suffering from a degenerating and worrisome level of cognitive dissonance.

I love Dele and God knows I have immense respect for him but he sounded drained, tired and broken and spoke little sense yesterday in his interview with Seun Okinbaloye of Channels TV.

May I humbly suggest to him to try and take a break from politics and political commentary for a while, get his breath back and attempt to overhaul his intellectual engine?

Not only was he uncharitable and disrespectful to the President, the Vice President, the Ministers, the Senators and the newly-appointed Ambassadors, many of whom have far more experience than him in governance and Government, on that programme but he also insulted the collective intelligence of the Nigerian people.

He and his associates in the ADC should focus more on trying to build up their depleted ranks and form a strong opposition that we can look forward to engaging in the field of battle for the 2027 election rather than continously obsesse and talk about what our President and our party is doing.

The ADC cannot even be described as a sinking ship but rather as a badly patched up inflatable plastic life boat that has not even managed to find its bearing or leave the harbour.

It has no engine, no sails, no oars, no captain, no crew, no navigational equipment, no muscle, no firepower, no war chest, no destination and worse of all it is made of rubber and not steel.

How can such an ill-prepared contraption even float let alone do battle?

It cannot possibly survive the rough seas and harsh winds of Nigerian politics because it lacks gravitas, focus, character, intelligence, discipline and strength.

It needs to be built up, better schooled, better trained, better equipped, better educated and better prepared before it can enter the field and before we can even begin to regard it as an opposition party.

Right now it can only be described as a haven and pitiful gathering of vacuous, shallow, intellectual frauds and political renegades who lack foresight and who have no direction.

The fact that they have failed to take off is not Tinubu’s fault, it is theirs.

The fact that political leaders and the Nigerian people are flocking to APC in droves is not only because our President and Vice President are doing well but also because they view the ADC as nothing but a collection of disingenious, desperate and recycled political losers, who are addicted to power, who offer no credible alternative to governance and who, like the three blind mice, are running around in circles, chasing each other’s long, mangy and wrinkled tails with no where to go.

Watching my brother Dele trying to speak for them is pitiful and is even more disconcerting than his assertion that Tinubu will regret his decisions and will be deserted by everyone around him.

The Bible says “who is he that sayeth a thing and it cometh to pass when the Lord God of Hosts has commanded it not?”

Dele should listen to the Holy Spirit instead of to the pagan murmurings, strange whispers, demonic divinations and conjuring projections of the Prophets of Baal and the Witch of Endor.

To be sure Tinubu started well, he is doing well and he will, by the grace of God, end well with no regrets in 2031.

Anything short of that is the counsel of the ungodly and the manifestation and delusions of a diseased and demonised mind.

I appeal to my brother Dele: leave the ranks of the forces of darkness and join us.

You are far too good for the company you are keep.

Your presence in the ranks of the ADC is like that of a gentle, beautiful, well bred, well fed and well manicured flamingo trapped in a sea of ugly, cruel, loud, angry, starving, cackling and relentless crows and vultures.

It does not befit you.

(Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the author of this essay) is an Ambassador Designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a former Minister of Aviation, a former Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, the Otunba of Joga Orile, the Aare Ajagunle of Otun Ekiti and a Legal Practioner)

Media Respect and Celebrity Responsibility: Lessons from Tiwa Savage Foundation Launch Controversy

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

“Apology from Tiwa Savage’s Team Sparks Debate on Media Treatment, Professional Ethics, and the Role of Journalists in Promoting Cultural and Philanthropic Initiatives.”

Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage and her management team have issued a formal apology to journalists following allegations of mistreatment during the launch of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation in Lagos. The controversy, which quickly sparked debate across the media landscape, has raised broader questions about celebrity culture, media ethics, and the professional respect owed to journalists covering high-profile events.

The apology was conveyed through Savage’s manager, Vanessa Amadi-Ogbonna, alongside representatives of the public relations firm Fola PR and management of The Delborough Lagos, the venue where the event took place. According to reports, the foundation launch was held on March 9, 2026, at Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Several journalists invited to cover the event complained that they were delayed for hours at the entrance of the venue, asked to wait under uncomfortable conditions, and allegedly instructed to wear branded polo shirts before being allowed entry. Many media professionals described the treatment as humiliating and disrespectful to the role of the press in promoting public events.

Following public criticism, representatives of Savage’s team clarified that the singer neither authorised nor condoned the alleged treatment. They expressed regret over the incident and promised improved coordination with journalists in future engagements.

The controversy has reignited conversations about the delicate relationship between celebrities and the media. Scholars in media and communication studies argue that the press plays a vital role in shaping public narratives and promoting cultural activities, including entertainment and philanthropy.

Renowned media scholar Denis McQuail once observed that “the media serve as the central arena where social and cultural life is debated, interpreted, and understood.” In this context, journalists covering events such as the launch of a charitable foundation are not merely observers but important partners in amplifying the message and purpose of such initiatives.

Similarly, Nigerian communication scholar Ralph Akinfeleye has repeatedly emphasised the importance of professional respect for journalists. According to him, “the media are not beggars of access; they are stakeholders in the democratic and cultural process.” His argument highlights the fact that journalists provide visibility and legitimacy to events, especially those tied to public figures and philanthropic causes.

The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation was launched with the stated aim of empowering young talents in the music industry through mentorship, education, and professional opportunities. Many observers believe the initiative could play a significant role in nurturing emerging artists across Nigeria and the African continent.

However, communication experts stress that the success of such initiatives often depends on strong relationships with the media. American communication scholar Marshall McLuhan famously noted that “the medium is the message,” suggesting that the way information is delivered can influence how the public perceives the message itself.

In the case of the foundation launch, critics argue that the controversy surrounding the treatment of journalists briefly overshadowed the noble objectives of the project. Instead of focusing on the foundation’s mission, public discourse shifted toward questions of respect, professionalism, and media relations.

Public relations specialists also view the episode as a lesson in event management and stakeholder engagement. Effective public relations practice requires careful coordination between organisers, venue managers, and media representatives to ensure that invited journalists are treated with dignity and professionalism.

Despite the controversy, many journalists welcomed the apology and expressed hope that it would strengthen future collaboration between the entertainment industry and the press. In Nigeria’s vibrant media ecosystem, such partnerships remain essential for promoting cultural initiatives and amplifying stories that inspire the next generation of creatives.

Ultimately, the incident surrounding the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation launch serves as a reminder that respect for the media is not merely a matter of courtesy but a cornerstone of responsible public engagement. As scholars and industry observers continue to emphasise, the relationship between celebrities and journalists must be built on mutual respect, professionalism, and shared commitment to informing and inspiring the public.