FPIC: No legal or factual basis to demand Gbajabiamila’s resignation — Jiti Ogunye

Legal practitioner Jiti Ogunye asserts that there is no valid legal or factual ground to demand the resignation of Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the Nigerian President. Ogunye argues that Gbajabiamila has neither been indicted nor formally charged with any offense, making calls for his resignation premature and potentially detrimental to the pursuit of justice.

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Why should he resign? His resignation will be more injurious to the pursuit of justice than his continued occupancy of office, in my view.

Speaking on TVC's Journalists’ Hangout, Ogunye addressed allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew concerning a purported fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). The lawyer contended that Gbajabiamila's continued presence in office would not obstruct investigations nor compromise their integrity. He suggested that demanding a resignation at this stage could inadvertently validate the unproven allegations, contradicting the constitutional principle of presumed innocence.

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His resignation will be more injurious to the pursuit of justice than his continued occupancy of office, in my view.

Ogunye emphasized that Gbajabiamila is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He cautioned against the growing public tendency to convict individuals in the court of public opinion before due process is completed. The legal expert pointed out the absence of any indictment, prosecution, or recommendation for disciplinary action against the Chief of Staff that would warrant his resignation or suspension.

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The Chief of Staff is entitled to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, warning against what he described as the growing tendency to convict public officials in the court of public opinion before investigations are concluded.

Regarding Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew's claims, Ogunye alleged that Matthew forged key documents, including an appointment letter, a government gazette, and an Act of Parliament. These forgeries, Ogunye claims, were intended to fabricate the existence of a legitimate agency and Matthew's position as its Director-General. Investigations reportedly revealed the agency to be fictitious, designed to deceive individuals and financial institutions. Ogunye also dismissed claims that Gbajabiamila benefited from the alleged scheme, noting that Gbajabiamila denies any knowledge of or dealings with Matthew. A public disclaimer was issued by the Chief of Staff's office after reports surfaced of Matthew continuing to impersonate the head of the non-existent agency.

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According to him, investigations revealed that the purported agency was fictitious and that Adeyemi’s alleged scheme was designed to establish a false presence within the federal bureaucracy that could later be used to deceive individuals, financial institutions and prospective investors.