Entertainment, News

Speaking the Truth to Farooq Kperogi: A Lesson in Responsible Journalism

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 23rd, 2025.

Speaking the Truth to Farooq Kperogi: A Lesson in Responsible Journalism

My former tutor at the London School of Journalism, Nick Allati, once shared a powerful piece of advice: “Not every thought that enters your mind needs to be expressed.” That simple wisdom remains as relevant today as ever—especially in an age where clicks, likes, and monetization often overshadow ethics, empathy, and common sense. This brings me to Farooq Kperogi’s recent post about former First Lady, Aisha Buhari—an unfortunate example of poor judgment disguised as public interest.

On July 16, 2025, Kperogi took to Facebook with a post containing personal claims about Aisha Buhari, alleging that she had divorced the late President Muhammadu Buhari before his passing. He went further to say she had reverted to her maiden name and was noticeably absent during his final moments. Unsurprisingly, given his large following, the story spread like wildfire across media platforms.

Only days later, on July 20, Kperogi published a public apology, calling his original post “one of the worst and cruellest lapses of judgement” in his career. He admitted the story had come from a source he considered highly reliable, but he also conceded that it should never have been shared publicly—particularly not during a time of national mourning.

In his apology titled “Apology to Aisha Buhari,” Kperogi accepted full responsibility for the pain caused to the former First Lady and her family. He noted that Sani Zorro, former special adviser on public affairs to Aisha Buhari, had reached out to dispute the claims and reaffirm that the couple’s marriage remained intact until President Buhari’s death.

It’s important to highlight that President Buhari and his wife completed their tenure together on May 29, 2023, without any public hint of marital discord. Video footage from London Hospital shows Aisha and her children grieving together following Buhari’s death on July 13, 2025. She was also seen accompanying his remains to Nigeria and accepting the national flag from President Bola Tinubu during the burial in Daura—a symbolic and deeply emotional gesture.

So, why did Kperogi feel compelled to publish unverified personal claims in the first place? Even if the story were true, what public good did it serve to share such sensitive details in the wake of a national tragedy? At best, it was irresponsible; at worst, it added to the emotional burden of a grieving family and inflamed needless speculation during a painful time.

Aisha Buhari deserves more than tabloid-level commentary. Throughout her time as First Lady, she distinguished herself with courage and conviction. In a political environment where silence is often expected of women, she chose to speak up—even against her husband’s administration—when she believed the nation’s best interests were at stake. She openly challenged the influence of unelected power brokers and raised concerns about the healthcare system, even refusing to travel abroad for treatment in solidarity with ordinary Nigerians.

These are not the actions of a woman seeking drama or headlines. They are the marks of someone committed to service and truth.

While I commend Kperogi for owning up to his mistake, his defense—that the information came from a source of “unimpeachable integrity”—doesn’t absolve him. No human being, no matter how close or credible, is infallible. Only God possesses unimpeachable integrity. What if this “trusted” source had an agenda? What due diligence did Kperogi undertake before broadcasting the claim? These are questions that should have been answered before any post went live.

Moreover, this incident raises serious concerns about how society treats widows in Nigeria. It’s not uncommon for grieving women to be subjected to inhumane treatment, sometimes accused of causing their husband’s death or denied inheritance rights. Imagine if someone like Kperogi made a similar post about a less prominent widow, perhaps in a rural community, without any proof. That rumor could easily become a weapon used against her and her children.

In the southeastern part of Nigeria, a case involving the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu highlights this risk. He allegedly left property to his young widow with a condition that she forfeits it if she remarries. Imagine if someone falsely claimed they were divorced before his death—such a claim could be used to dispossess the widow completely.

As public commentators, journalists, and thought leaders, there is a line we must not cross: the line between truth and sensationalism, between accountability and intrusion into private grief. Kperogi’s post did more than spread misinformation—it set a dangerous precedent that others might follow if not addressed.

Still, I urge Aisha Buhari to accept Kperogi’s apology. In all fairness, he is not known for malice or cruelty. My hope is that he will reflect deeply on this incident and recommit himself to the values of accuracy, empathy, and public responsibility.

Words carry weight—especially when they come from those with influence. Let us use them not to hurt, but to heal; not to divide, but to enlighten.

– Shola Akinsuyi

Former Group Politics Editor, Daily Independent

shabydayo@gmail.com