Nigerian Think Tank Urges President to Ignore Allegations Against Chief of Staff

Nigeria's Arewa Think Tank has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resist being swayed by recent allegations surrounding the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

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We want to tell President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow unverified claims to deny him the services of capable people as we approach the next general elections. Nigerians should also be careful to verify information before drawing conclusions.

The group, addressing journalists in Kaduna, characterized the reports concerning the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) as politically motivated. They urged Nigerians to prioritize verified information over speculation.

Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the Convener of the Arewa Think Tank, noted that prominent supporters of the President often face public allegations when they assume greater national responsibilities. He drew parallels to past controversies involving Senator Abdulaziz Yari, suggesting a pattern of public scrutiny during significant political discussions.

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The official position of the Presidency is very clear. Nigerians should rely on verified information rather than speculation that could distract the government.

Yakubu advised President Tinubu to maintain focus on governance and not become distracted by political controversies, especially with the next general elections approaching. He stressed the importance of capable individuals serving the administration and cautioned Nigerians against drawing conclusions based on unverified claims.

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The PFIPC is not a recognised government agency and that Gbajabiamila neither authorises appointments nor issues official correspondence on behalf of such a body.

The Presidency, through a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, clarified that the PFIPC is not a recognized government agency and that Gbajabiamila does not authorize appointments or issue correspondence on its behalf. The statement also refuted reports of the Chief of Staff's removal, reaffirming his continued tenure. The Arewa Think Tank welcomed this clarification, emphasizing that the official position should help allay public concerns and prevent distractions from the government's work.

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Reports suggesting the Chief of Staff was facing removal from office were false, reaffirming that he remains in office.