Atiku's Explosive Demand: Suspend Gbajabiamila for Probe, Citing Buhari's Past

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has formally called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. This demand comes in light of fresh and weighty allegations of corruption against the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, which Atiku insists necessitate an unfettered investigation.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku Abubakar expressed his shock over claims that Gbajabiamila allegedly “illegally cornered tens of billions of naira in oil and gas royalties from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).” The allegations further suggest that this was done by citing a “fake law for presidential approval,” a detail that underscores the severity of the accusations.

Atiku strongly argued that the Presidency’s current silence and perceived indifference to these “unfolding corruption allegations” are unacceptable and cannot simply erase the gravity of the situation. He emphasized that these issues transcend partisan politics, highlighting them as a critical matter concerning the impunity of corruption that continues to undermine the welfare and future prospects of ordinary Nigerians.

The former vice president did not mince words, stating that such a level of alleged corruption is “unprecedented.” He criticized the government for allegedly pursuing opposition figures for corruption while seemingly allowing corruption to flourish “like weeds under its own nose” within its own administration. Atiku maintained that for the country’s anti-corruption campaign to retain any semblance of credibility, public office holders, regardless of their position, must be held to the same stringent standards of accountability.

To support his call for action, Atiku drew a direct comparison to a past precedent, recalling that former President Muhammadu Buhari had suspended the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, over corruption allegations. This suspension was enacted to allow investigators to conduct their assignment without any interference. Atiku asserted that Gbajabiamila should not be treated any differently, arguing that suspending the Chief of Staff would not constitute an admission of guilt but rather a clear demonstration of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

Furthermore, Atiku accused the Federal Government of operating with “double standards” in its fight against corruption. He alleged that while the government vigorously pursues opposition figures, it appears to be ignoring serious allegations leveled against senior officials within its own administration. He concluded by insisting that Nigerians are entitled to comprehensive answers regarding these allegations and urged President Tinubu to act decisively by directing a thorough and independent investigation into the matter without delay.