Call for Gbajabiamila's Suspension Over Fake Agency Claims

A group called Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) is asking for the immediate suspension of Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President. This demand comes amid his alleged ties to the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

CHRICED also dismissed the ongoing investigation by the House of Representatives. They called it a distraction that will not lead to any real results.

At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, CHRICED's Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, stated that no credible investigation can happen while Mr Gbajabiamila is still in office.

The House of Representatives has set up an ad hoc committee to look into how the PFIPC was formed and how it operates. There are claims that the council got official recognition through fake documents and later received government support and funds.

The PFIPC controversy started after allegations from Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the council. He linked Mr Gbajabiamila to the council's activities and said that money was paid to him.

But Mr Gbajabiamila, who was once the speaker of the House, has denied these allegations. He called them false and an attempt to damage his reputation. He is also suing Mr Adeyemi for N15 billion for defamation over these claims.

In his lawsuit, he is asking for N10 billion in general damages and N5 billion in aggravated damages. He argues that the false claims have seriously harmed his reputation and the integrity of his office.

This legal action came nine days after Mr Gbajabiamila sent a cease-and-desist letter to Mr Adeyemi on July 6. In that letter, he asked Mr Adeyemi to retract his claims, remove all related publications, and apologize.

Mr Zikirullahi questioned the credibility of the House investigation. He said past investigations involving powerful individuals have not produced real accountability.

He said, "I call it a so-called investigation because nothing will come out of it at the end of the day."

He believes the investigation is just to give the impression that the government is acting while protecting influential public officials from real scrutiny.

Mr Zikirullahi pointed out that lawmakers have often failed to handle allegations against senior political figures consistently. He believes that to ensure a fair investigation, the president should suspend Mr Gbajabiamila.

He said, "If he does not have the integrity to resign on his own, the President, if he himself has integrity, ought to suspend Gbajabiamila. Suspension does not mean removal. After all is said and done, if he is not found wanting, he can come back and take up his job."

He argued that temporary suspension is a recognized method to protect the integrity of investigations. He said it does not punish the accused.

According to him, leaders in other countries often resign or step aside when serious allegations arise. This allows investigations to happen without interference.

He noted, "We have even seen prime ministers resign in other countries over mere accusations. They step aside and say, ‘Investigate me.’ What is so special about Gbajabiamila?"

Mr Zikirullahi insisted that no public official should be above the law because of their position.

He added that since the alleged director-general of the PFIPC has reportedly been arrested, there is no reason to exempt others mentioned in the allegations from scrutiny.

He asked, "If the DG has been arrested, what stops them from also arresting Gbajabiamila?"

He emphasized that unless influential public officials face independent investigations without political protection, Nigerians will continue to lose trust in public institutions.

Mr Zikirullahi called on anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to carry out thorough and open investigations into all claims related to the PFIPC.