Bashir Ahmed, former media aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, has dismissed the apology issued by Farooq Kperogi, a US-based journalism professor, over his unverified claim that Aisha Buhari divorced her husband before his death.
Ahmed described Kperogi’s initial allegation as reckless and ill-timed, questioning his credibility as a journalism educator.
Farooq Kperogi, a professor at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, had alleged in a Facebook post four days ago that the former First Lady divorced Buhari before his passing on July 13, 2025.
However, on Sunday, he issued a public apology, admitting his statement was a “cruel lapse in judgment” and expressing regret for the distress caused. “To Mrs. Aisha Buhari, I offer my heartfelt and unreserved apology for the needless and deeply regrettable hurt I have caused. I am truly sorry,” Kperogi wrote.
Ahmed, however, rejected the apology, criticising Kperogi for spreading unverified claims and only retracting after the damage was done. In a post on his X account, Ahmed stated, “You can’t be a journalism teacher and specialise gravely in speculative reportage.”
He further accused Kperogi of cowardice, saying, “To act on secondhand claims, admit they were not intended to be public, and then seek refuge behind an apology after the damage is done is not courage; it is cowardice dressed as contrition.”
The controversy has sparked debate over journalistic ethics, particularly regarding the spread of unverified personal claims about public figures. While Farooq Kperogi has expressed remorse, critics argue that his initial post was irresponsible, given the sensitive timing following Buhari’s death. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about misinformation and the ethical responsibilities of media professionals, even in opinion-based commentary.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
