The Federal Government labelled as phoney on Monday the claimed list of candidates for national honours being passed around by several online media outlets.
According to news sources, over the weekend, the media was flooded with a number of names that were allegedly on the list of Nigerians who will be honoured with national honours.
However, the list of nominations has drawn criticism, particularly about the calibre of those up for honours. The list of nominees has now gone viral on the Internet.
The government refuted the list, claiming that it will be published at the proper time and in the appropriate means, in a statement issued under Julie Jacobs' signature as Director of Press for the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.
In the terse statement sent to newsmen, she advised members of the public to disregard the list as it is an attempt by overzealous reporters whose aim is to break news even when such news is fake.
The statement read, “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs has been drawn to a purported list of nominees for National Honours being circulated by some online media organisations.
“While it is true that President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, will be conferring National Honours on deserving Nigerians and friends of Nigeria on 11th October 2022, the authentic list of nominees is yet to be released to the public. The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs will publish the list at the appropriate time and medium.
“Members of the public are hereby enjoined to discountenance the list in circulation as it is an attempt by overzealous reporters whose aim is to break news even when such news is fake.”