The head of the African Development Studies Centre (ADSC), Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, on Thursday condemned what he described as “false and medically baseless” reports about the health of Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Wale Edun, calling for greater responsibility in public discourse.
Unverified online posts this week claimed that Edun was “unable to move his hands and knees,” a rumour that Oluwafemi dismissed as “outright falsehood lacking any medical backing or verifiable evidence.”
Citing information from the minister’s family, Oluwafemi said Edun was undergoing routine medical evaluation and treatment and was recuperating well, with “all major organs functioning normally.”
“It is entirely out of place and medically reckless to declare, without evidence, that his sensory or motor functions have been compromised,” he said.
Oluwafemi expressed concern over what he described as an increasing trend of misinformation targeting public officials and urged media organisations, social media users and politicians to uphold truth and decency.
“It is imperative that as a nation, we support public intellectuals and technocrats who are contributing to national development. We must refrain from misinformation, particularly the kind of negative and unsubstantiated reportage we have witnessed regarding the Finance Minister,” he said.
He added that while citizens may differ on policy matters, “fabricated health scares designed to undermine confidence in economic leadership” were harmful to both individuals and institutions.
“As a knight, I have taken an oath to serve this nation with integrity, honour and truth. I cannot remain silent when misinformation threatens both individuals and our national institutions,” he said.
Oluwafemi also appealed for empathy when discussing health matters involving public figures. “Illness is a deeply human experience that affects us all. It is not a political weapon to be wielded, nor an opportunity for sensationalism,” he said.
“To those who seek to turn sickness into scandal, I urge you to reflect on your humanity. Today it is someone else; tomorrow it could be you or someone you love.”
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to build “a public discourse rooted in truth, compassion and respect,” and to protect “our public intellectuals, technocrats and dedicated civil servants so that Nigeria can continue to benefit from their expertise and commitment.”
