Atiku demands suspension and independent probe of Tinubu Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila

Atiku Abubakar calls for an independent probe into fresh corruption allegations against President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Read More: https://punchng.com/atiku-demands-probe-of-gbajabiamila-over-fresh-corruption-allegations/

 Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent investigation into fresh corruption allegations involving President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, saying the claims should not be ignored.   The call was made in a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja on Tuesday.   The call was a reaction to a report by The Gazette, which alleged that Gbajabiamila illegally secured approval to divert about ₦54 billion in oil and gas royalty funds through the use of what it described as a fake law.   The allegations have not been independently verified, and Gbajabiamila had not publicly responded to them as of the time the statement was issued.   Reacting to the report, Atiku said the allegations should be subjected to a transparent investigation, arguing that public officials should be held accountable whenever corruption claims arise.   “This issue goes beyond partisan politics; it’s about the impunity of corruption that undermines the welfare and future of ordinary Nigerians,” Atiku said.   He also accused the Federal Government of applying different standards in the handling of corruption allegations involving opposition figures and serving government officials.   “You can’t preach the rule of law when your own officials are awarded with the trophy of untouchability,” he stated.   Atiku further argued that Gbajabiamila should be investigated in the same manner as other public officials facing corruption allegations, recalling that former President Muhammadu Buhari suspended former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, while investigations into allegations against him were ongoing.   The statement also referenced previous allegations that have been made against the Chief of Staff over the years, arguing that the latest claims warrant an independent investigation to allow him respond to the allegations.   The former Vice President urged the Federal Government to ensure that anti-corruption efforts are applied without bias, insisting that every public office holder should be treated equally under the law.

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent investigation into fresh corruption allegations involving President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, saying the claims should not be ignored. The call was made in a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja on Tuesday. The call was […] Fresh N54bn allegation: ‘Gbajabiamila must be investigated’ — Atiku

Media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other persons allegedly linked to the controversy surrounding the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC. Ibe made the call on Tuesday in a post on X while reacting to President […] Adeyemi: Suspend Gbajabiamila – Atiku’s aide tells Tinubu amid fake agency probe

The Arewa Youth Integrity Forum, AYIF, has knocked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his call for the suspension of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.   Atiku had, through his media aides, demanded Gbajabiamila’s suspension over his alleged involvement in a N400 billion bribery scandal. Atiku had also called for an independent probe of the allegation.   However, the Arewa youths faulted Atiku’s position on the matter, claiming that the former Vice President was unfit to point accusing fingerd at anyone   In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, the Forum accused Atiku of blatant hypocrisy and political desperation ahead of 2027 election.   “Gbajabiamila is a saint compared to the mountain of corruption cases that define Atiku Abubakar’s public life. While we support thorough investigation into any allegation, Atiku lacks the moral standing to lecture anyone on integrity.   “His call is nothing but political mischief aimed at distracting Nigerians from his own tainted history. The Arewa Youth Integrity Forum will not sit idly by while a serial controversy magnet pretends to be a crusader,” the statement said.   The Forum noted that unproven allegations against sitting officials should not be weaponized by opposition figures with far more damaging records.   AYIF pointed to Atiku’s tenure as Vice President, from 1999 to 2007, during which he faced multiple graft accusations, including a Senate probe that recommended his prosecution for allegedly diverting over $145 million from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, to companies linked to him.   The youth forum described Atiku’s latest intervention as selective outrage, especially given his history of alleged involvement in high-profile international scandals.   AYIF called on the former VP to first address the many questions surrounding his own wealth accumulation while in public office.   “Atiku was banned from entering the United States for years due to corruption concerns. Reports detailed how over $40 million in suspect funds, including bribe payments from Siemens, were allegedly moved through accounts linked to him and his wife.   “How does a man with such baggage have the audacity to call for the suspension of a serving official? This is the height of hypocrisy.   “Nigerians remember the William Jefferson bribery scandal where Atiku was implicated as the target of a $100,000 bribe attempt to influence Nigerian contracts,” the statement said.   The AYIF emphasised that while the allegations against Gbajabiamila deserve scrutiny, they should not overshadow the broader context of Atiku’s repeated brushes with anti-corruption agencies and international investigators.   The Forum recalled audio recordings released by a former aide alleging Atiku’s use of Special Purpose Vehicles, SPVs, to siphon public funds, including N100 million from ecological funds, further tarnishing his image.   AYIF noted that Atiku’s pattern of controversies, from PTDF fund diversions to offshore money laundering allegations, makes him unfit to dictate standards of governance.   The statement added, “Atiku’s public record is littered with allegations of abuse of office, embezzlement, and conflict of interest. From NICOTES/INTELS business dealings while in customs service to the litany of Senate indictments, his history speaks volumes.   “The former VP should retire from this endless cycle of scandals and allow credible leaders to move Nigeria forward.”

The Arewa Youth Integrity Forum, AYIF, has knocked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his call for the suspension of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Atiku had, through his media aides, demanded Gbajabiamila’s suspension over his alleged involvement in a N400 billion bribery scandal. Atiku had also called for an independent probe […] Alleged bribery: Arewa youths knock Atiku over call for Gbajabiamila’s suspension