The Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has questioned the backlash surrounding the recent National Award conferred upon the Minister of Fisheries, .

Speaking on the January 4, 2025, edition of News File on Joy News, she expressed disagreement with those criticising the award, citing her insights into the process behind these national honors. "Respectfully, I disagree with that position, also because I have insights into the process that led to these awards.

I remember sometime in April or May 2024 when I was acting as a representative of the President at our Ministry, even before I was sworn in as a substantive Minister.

Letters were written to us from the Chief Director of the Presidency, informing us that the President was going to grant these national awards and honors.