PFIPC scandal: NANS backs due process, opposes calls for Gbajabiamila’s removal

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The National Association of Nigerian Students has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against taking any action against the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linked to the controversy surrounding Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, insisting that no public official should be sanctioned on the basis of claims that have yet to be proven.

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The student body said while it remained committed to accountability and the fight against corruption, justice must be guided by due process, fairness and the rule of law rather than public pressure.

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In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its President, Akinteye Babatunde, NANS urged the President to resist growing calls for Gbajabiamila’s removal until competent authorities conclude ongoing investigations.

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“The fight against corruption must always be pursued within the bounds of justice, fairness, equity and due process,” the association said.

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According to NANS, it has closely followed the controversy involving Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly claimed to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), and the allegations he levelled against the Chief of Staff.

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The association noted that despite the absence of any judicial determination, some individuals and groups had intensified demands for Gbajabiamila’s dismissal.

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“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow a loyal and dedicated public servant to be sacrificed on the altar of unsubstantiated accusations before the truth is established,” the statement read.

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It argued that every Nigerian, regardless of public office, is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty through a transparent and lawful process.

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NANS further pointed to the Presidency’s position on the matter, noting that the Federal Government had publicly clarified that the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council is not an agency under the current administration.

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It added that the Presidency had also announced that criminal charges had been instituted against Adeyemi over his alleged activities, saying the development further underscores the need for restraint until investigators establish the facts.

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“These developments further reinforce the need for restraint and affirm the importance of allowing the appropriate authorities to determine the facts through lawful processes,” the association stated.

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The students’ body called on Nigerians to avoid prejudging the matter and allow security agencies and other relevant authorities to carry out a thorough, independent and impartial investigation.

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It stressed that the credibility of the allegations, the supporting evidence and the conduct of all parties involved should be objectively scrutinised before conclusions are drawn.

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Defending the Chief of Staff’s public service record, NANS described Gbajabiamila as a seasoned public servant whose contributions to democratic governance and national development should not be overshadowed by allegations that remain unproven.

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The association recalled that as Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila played a key role in facilitating engagements that contributed to the resolution of the prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike in 2022, helping to restore academic activities across Nigerian universities.

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It also noted that the Chief of Staff had consistently identified with the aspirations of Nigerian students by supporting initiatives aimed at improving education and youth development.

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While reaffirming its support for transparency and accountability, NANS warned against what it described as trial by media and politically motivated campaigns.

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“We support every lawful effort aimed at uncovering the truth, but we equally reject trial by media, political witch-hunts, or attempts to undermine public institutions through allegations that have not been subjected to due process,” the statement added.

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The association further alleged that serious concerns had been raised about Adeyemi’s past dealings with several organisations, including at the international level, arguing that his allegations against the Chief of Staff should not be treated as established facts until the completion of an independent investigation.

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The statement comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). The Presidency recently clarified that the PFIPC is not a recognised Federal Government agency and announced that criminal proceedings had been initiated against Adeyemi over alleged impersonation and related offences.

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The controversy has sparked divergent reactions, with some civil society organisations calling for the removal of Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila over the allegations, while others have urged caution pending the outcome of investigations. NANS has now joined those advocating due process, urging President Tinubu to allow law enforcement agencies and the courts to determine the facts before any administrative action is taken.

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