- CSOs Demand Probe of Alleged CBN Accounts, Budgetary Allocations
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have called for an immediate inquiry and the removal of Gbajabiamila following allegations that link him to the operations of a purported non-existent government agency.
The opposition parties have labelled these allegations as a significant corruption scandal that necessitates an independent investigation.
In a statement released on Friday, Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, stated that the government’s handling of the situation has unveiled what he referred to as “the staggering depth of institutional decay” within the current administration.
“The matters at hand strike at the core of national governance and raise essential questions regarding institutional integrity; thus, they must be addressed with the gravity they warrant,” the party asserted.
The ADC further argued that if the Presidency’s assertions are accurate, Nigerians are entitled to an explanation regarding how an entity that lacks legal standing allegedly obtained recruitment approvals, featured in government budget documentation, communicated with public institutions, engaged with foreign diplomats, and interacted with various government agencies.
The party contended that the Presidency’s focus on exonerating Gbajabiamila, rather than clarifying the operation of the alleged scheme, indicates that “the administration is either complicit or incompetent.”
Additionally, the ADC accused the Federal Government of inconsistent approaches in addressing corruption accusations, referencing the prompt actions taken by agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Department of State Services in cases involving former Nasir El-Rufai.
In a similar vein, the NDC raised alarms over reports that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had approved 314 staff positions for the alleged agency.
In a statement from its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC accused the Tinubu administration of exploiting the council to misappropriate public funds, with the active involvement of senior government officials.
The NDC has demanded the immediate dismissal of Gbajabiamila to facilitate what it describes as an impartial investigation. It also called for the formation of an independent investigative panel, alongside separate inquiries by the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigeria Police Force.
The party further urged investigators to scrutinise the alleged budget allocations, bank accounts, staff approvals, financial transactions, the death of Tanimola, and the purported assassination attempts on Adeyemi.
CSOs Demand Probe of Alleged CBN Accounts, Budgetary Allocations
A coalition of civil society organisations has called for an independent investigation into allegations surrounding accounts purportedly opened with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and budgetary allocations linked to the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the coalition urged President Bola Tinubu to instruct the ICPC to investigate the allegations concerning the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.
Emmanuel Oluwasegun, representing the coalition, stated that the controversy, which includes bribery allegations against the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside counter-allegations of forgery and impersonation, should not be settled through media exchanges.
The coalition asserted that the allegations concerning the 2026 Appropriation Act, the accounts allegedly opened at the CBN, and the financial dealings of the alleged agency necessitate a thorough and independent investigation.
“A nation cannot be governed on speculation, nor can it be defended by silence. This is the critical juncture at which Nigeria currently stands,” the coalition declared.
They urged the President to empower the ICPC to investigate all facets of the controversy, emphasising that the aim is not to ascertain guilt but to ensure that all allegations undergo due process and transparent examination, thereby safeguarding public trust in governmental institutions.
Moreover, the coalition called on Gbajabiamila to resign or temporarily step aside to facilitate what it termed as an unobstructed and transparent investigation.
While acknowledging that the Chief of Staff has denied the allegations and made counter-claims of forgery and impersonation, which are presently before the courts, the coalition argued that stepping aside would bolster public trust in the integrity of the investigative process.
They also urged the President to guarantee that the Chief of Staff remains out of office throughout the investigation to prevent any concerns regarding potential institutional influence.
The coalition demanded regular public updates on the investigation, culminating in the publication of a final report.
They cautioned that if no discernible actions are taken within seven days to initiate an independent probe, they would organise a peaceful protest at the Presidential Villa.
The coalition appealed to Nigerians to remain composed, refrain from making hasty conclusions, and allow the allegations to be resolved through credible investigations rather than speculation.
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