ABUJA – Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent investigation into corruption allegations against President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, saying the claims are too weighty to be ignored.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Atiku Media Office, the former Vice President said failure to investigate the allegations would cast doubt on the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption.
Reacting to a report by The Gazette alleging that Gbajabiamila illegally received oil and gas royalties, Atiku said the matter goes beyond politics and should be treated as a serious issue of public interest.
“This issue goes beyond partisan politics; it is about the impunity of corruption that undermines the welfare and future of ordinary Nigerians,” the statement said.
Atiku argued that the Federal Government could not credibly pursue corruption cases against opposition figures while overlooking allegations involving top officials within the administration.
“You cannot preach the rule of law while your own officials are treated as untouchable,” he stated.
The former Vice President said Gbajabiamila should be given the opportunity to clear his name through an open, transparent and independent investigation rather than allowing the allegations to linger.
He cited the suspension of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, under the Muhammadu Buhari administration to enable an investigation, insisting that the same standard should apply to every public official regardless of status.
Atiku also referred to previous allegations made against the Chief of Staff over the years, saying the accumulation of claims justified a thorough and impartial probe.
He accused the Tinubu administration of failing to demonstrate sufficient commitment to accountability.
“Given the apathetic and lackadaisical attitude of the Tinubu administration to the corruption allegations against the Chief of Staff, it appears the government is merely going through the motions to fool Nigerians,” the statement added.
He maintained that public office is a trust and warned that any perception of selective justice would weaken public confidence in government and the anti-corruption campaign.
