SaharaReporters and its founder, Omoyele Sowore, have issued a statement addressing a recent smear campaign against them. According to Sowore, the campaign, allegedly orchestrated by Bola Tinubu, involves a dubious memo that has been circulating, supposedly from the Zamfara state government’s Secretary. This memo claims that substantial funds are being solicited for prominent bandits and media outlets.
Sowore and SaharaReporters have expressed skepticism about the memo’s authenticity, attributing it to the corrupt practices of Zamfara state officials. They argue that the memo’s primary goal is to tarnish their reputation due to SaharaReporters’ staunch opposition to corruption and governmental misconduct.
In response to the circulating falsehoods, SaharaReporters reaffirms its commitment to independence, rejecting any form of Nigerian government patronage and refusing to engage with government officials through the state house-based correspondent model.
The statement also addresses the incorrect implication that Sowore has benefited from these funds, calling the accusations baseless and a form of blackmail. Despite these challenges, SaharaReporters and Sowore assert that such tactics have failed to undermine their integrity and mission.