Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent investigation into fresh allegations involving the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued by his Media Office in Abuja, following a report alleging that Gbajabiamila secured approval to divert about ₦54 billion in oil and gas royalty funds through what was described as a fake law.
The allegations, which have not been independently verified, have not received a public response from Gbajabiamila as of the time of the statement.
Reacting to the report, Atiku said the claims were serious and should not be dismissed, insisting that every public official must be held accountable when faced with corruption allegations.
He said the matter was beyond political rivalry, describing it as an issue concerning transparency, good governance and the future of Nigerians.
According to Atiku, “This issue goes beyond partisan politics; it’s about the impunity of corruption that undermines the welfare and future of ordinary Nigerians.”
The ADC presidential candidate al
so accused the Federal Government of applying different standards in handling corruption allegations involving opposition members and those serving in government.
He argued that public officials should not be shielded from investigation because of their positions, stressing that the rule of law must apply equally to everyone.
Atiku referenced the suspension of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, by former President Muhammadu Buhari while allegations against him were investigated, saying similar standards should apply in the current situation.
He urged the government to allow an impartial investigation into the allegations against Gbajabiamila, saying the process would give the Chief of Staff an opportunity to respond and clear his name if the claims were unfounded.
The former Vice President maintained that anti-corruption efforts must be free from political bias and that no public office holder should be considered above scrutiny.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.