The President and Chief Executive Officer of the African Development Studies Centre (ADSC), Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, has condemned the spread of false health claims about public officials, saying such acts are unethical and damaging to national institutions.

His reaction followed recent online reports alleging that Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, was bedridden and unable to move his hands and knees, a claim he dismissed as baseless and medically unfounded.

Oluwafemi, in a statement on Thursday, said the publication of unverified medical information about serving officials reflects a worrying trend in Nigeria’s public communication space, where misinformation and sensationalism are often prioritised over truth and decency.

According to him, inquiries from the minister’s family confirmed that Edun is only undergoing a routine medical evaluation and recuperating well, with all major organs functioning normally.

He emphasised the importance of the media, social media users, and political actors exercising restraint and responsibility when discussing the health of public officials.

He warned that exploiting illness for political advantage diminishes the country’s moral fabric.

“It is entirely out of place and medically reckless to declare, without evidence, that his sensory or motor functions have been compromised.

“Health is a deeply human experience, not a political weapon. Behind every headline is a person, a father, a colleague, a public servant who deserves dignity, privacy, and compassion.”

Oluwafemi, a knight and advocate of ethical governance, said misinformation targeting public servants undermines confidence in national leadership and discourages qualified professionals from contributing to public service.

“Minister Edun is a seasoned technocrat with decades of experience. Whether one agrees or disagrees with specific policies, his commitment to national service deserves respect, not fabricated health scares designed to erode trust in our economic leadership,” he added.

He urged Nigerians to recommit to truth, humanity, and empathy in public discourse, noting that a culture of compassion strengthens institutions and national unity.