Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed has debunked claims that the sum of N3.4bn was spent for the “Change begins with me” campaign.

The minister spoke on Friday in Asaba at the opening of the National Council on Information.

He also said it was sad that the media now reports a lot of false stories that even family members and close friends of those in government believe such stories.

He said, “Ministers are daily being dropped on the social media.

“Many of us now wake up to read that we will be dropped as ministers or have our portfolios changed.

“Even our families and friends believe what they read or hear in the social media than what we tell them.”

On the alleged N3.4bn, Alhaji Mohammed said less than N2bn was spent on the campaign.

He said, “Anyone can wake up and decide to become an online newspaper publisher, an online television station owner, an online radio station operator, a purveyor of news, photographs and videos.

“They use the numerous social media platforms like Facebook, Whatsapp, Skype, Twitter and Instagram just to mention a few.

“They spread whatever information that catches their fancy without engaging in the rigours of accuracy, fact-checking and fairness imposed by the traditional media.

“But there is another problem: They have their own public, and this public believes whatever information they put out.”

Oludolapo Adelana

Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.