My journalism teacher at the London School of Journalism once told me that we shouldn’t say or write everything we think. Before we act, we should consider how it will affect others. But in today’s world, many people care more about social media attention than truth or morals. That’s why I found Farooq Kperogi’s recent post about Aisha Buhari very wrong and hurtful.

On July 16, 2025, Kperogi posted on Facebook that Aisha Buhari had divorced the late President Muhammadu Buhari before he died. He also said she had returned to her maiden name and didn’t go with him during his last illness. Because he has a large audience, this story quickly went viral and got picked up by many media outlets.

Just four days later, on July 20, Kperogi publicly apologized. He said it was one of the worst mistakes he’s ever made and that it caused deep pain to Aisha Buhari and her loved ones. He explained that even though his source insisted the story was true, it was never supposed to be shared publicly. He also agreed that Aisha’s version of the story should be seen as the truth.

In his apology, titled “Apology to Aisha Buhari,” Kperogi said he didn’t realize how much pain his post would cause. He admitted that it was a serious lack of judgment and that it brought him a lot of personal regret.

Kperogi also said that Sani Zorro, who used to work closely with Aisha Buhari, contacted him to correct the story. Zorro confirmed that the Buharis were still married until the end. Kperogi said the divorce rumour came from someone he trusted deeply, but that person never wanted it to go public.

Aisha and President Buhari left office together on May 29, 2023. There were no reports of marriage problems. Videos showed Aisha and her children crying at the hospital in London when Buhari died. She brought his body back to Nigeria for burial. During the funeral in Daura, Katsina State, President Bola Tinubu handed her the Nigerian flag that had been used to cover Buhari’s coffin. It was a very emotional moment.

Yet Kperogi still posted that they were divorced. Even if it had been true, what good would the story have done? It only added pain during a time of national grief. It didn’t help the public but caused confusion and even sparked rumours of infidelity.

During her time as First Lady, Aisha Buhari stayed out of trouble and served Nigeria well. She often spoke out for what was right, even when people expected her to be silent. Early in Buhari’s government, she warned that a group of people had taken control of the government, which many didn’t like. But she refused to be silent.

In a recent article, I mentioned how Aisha once publicly criticized the poor state of the medical centre at the Presidential Villa. She was told to travel abroad for treatment, but she refused and said she wanted to be treated like ordinary Nigerians. A woman like that deserves support—not fake stories.

Even though Kperogi has apologized—and I respect that—he should not have called his source “unimpeachable.” Only God is perfect. People can make mistakes. What if the source had personal issues with Aisha and made up the story? Did Kperogi ask for any proof or just believe it blindly?

This story touches on the line between public interest and private life. Journalists have great power, and making unconfirmed personal claims is wrong. Kperogi stepped over the line by posting sensitive information without facts.

He may have also added to the problem many widows in Nigeria face. Last year, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu died, and his will gave some property to his young widow—but only if she didn’t remarry. If someone said they were divorced before he died, his family could use that excuse to take everything from her. Aisha Buhari is powerful, but many widows in Nigeria suffer terribly after their husbands die.

Writers and journalists must be careful when talking about people’s private lives, even if they are public figures. Free speech does not mean we should spread gossip or cause pain. Kperogi’s apology showed he understood that Aisha has the right to tell her own story—and we must respect that.

As Aisha and her children continue to mourn, I ask her to forgive Kperogi. I believe his apology is sincere. I know he’s not someone who enjoys seeing others suffer. I hope he will use his platform going forward to support truth, hold leaders accountable, and help unite Nigeria.