NANS urges Tinubu not to remove Gbajabiamila over ‘unproven allegations’

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Tinubu not to remove his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations it described as unsubstantiated, insisting that due process and the constitutional presumption of innocence should prevail.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its President, Comrade Akinteye Afeez, the student body said it had been closely monitoring the controversy involving Gbajabiamila and Mr. Adeniyi Adeyemi, who has claimed to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

NANS said while it supports the fight against corruption, such efforts must be conducted within the framework of justice, fairness, equity and the rule of law.

According to the association, calls by some individuals and groups for the immediate removal of the Chief of Staff are premature because the allegations against him have not been established through any lawful process.

The students’ body urged President Tinubu not to “sacrifice a loyal and dedicated public servant on the altar of unsubstantiated accusations” before investigations are concluded.

NANS also referenced the Presidency’s position that the PFIPC is not a recognised Federal Government agency and that Adeyemi was not acting on behalf of any legitimate government institution. It noted that the Presidency has also announced criminal charges against Adeyemi, developments which it said underscore the need to allow relevant authorities determine the facts.

The association called on Nigerians to exercise restraint and allow security and investigative agencies to carry out what it described as a thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the matter.

It argued that the credibility of the allegations, the supporting evidence and the conduct of all parties involved should be objectively examined before conclusions are reached.

Defending Gbajabiamila’s public record, NANS said the Chief of Staff had distinguished himself through years of public service, particularly during his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives. It credited him with facilitating engagements that contributed to resolving the 2022 strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which helped restore academic activities across the country’s public universities.

The association further stated that Gbajabiamila has consistently supported initiatives aimed at promoting education and youth development and has maintained a longstanding relationship with Nigerian students.

While reaffirming its commitment to accountability and transparency, NANS said it rejects trial by media, political witch-hunts and attempts to undermine public institutions through allegations that have not been tested by due process.

The association also alleged that serious concerns had previously been raised regarding Adeyemi’s past dealings with several organisations, including at the international level, and argued that his claims against the Chief of Staff should not be treated as established facts until investigations are completed.