Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent investigation into fresh allegations involving President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja on Tuesday. He argued that authorities should not ignore corruption allegations involving public officials.
Atiku reacts to report
The former Vice President reacted to a report by The Gazette, which alleged that Gbajabiamila secured approval to divert about ₦54 billion in oil and gas royalty funds through what it described as a fake law.
However, the allegations have not been independently verified. Also, Gbajabiamila had not publicly responded to the claims as of the time of filing this report.
Calls for independent investigation
Atiku said authorities should subject the allegations to a transparent and independent investigation.
According to him, Nigerians deserve accountability whenever corruption allegations emerge against public office holders.
“This issue goes beyond partisan politics; it’s about the impunity of corruption that undermines the welfare and future of ordinary Nigerians.”
He also accused the Federal Government of applying different standards when handling corruption allegations involving opposition figures and serving government officials.
“You can’t preach the rule of law when your own officials are awarded with the trophy of untouchability.”
References Babachir Lawal’s suspension
Furthermore, Atiku argued that investigators should treat Gbajabiamila like every other public official facing corruption allegations.
He recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari suspended former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, while authorities investigated allegations against him.
According to the statement, similar standards should apply in every case, regardless of political affiliation.
Equal treatment under the law
The statement also referred to previous allegations that have surfaced against Gbajabiamila over the years. It argued that the latest claims justify an independent investigation and give him the opportunity to respond.
Atiku urged the Federal Government to apply its anti-corruption campaign without bias.
He maintained that every public office holder should receive equal treatment under the law whenever corruption allegations arise.v
