Group Berates Atiku over att∆ck on Gbajabiamila

DIN Condemns, in strong terms Unwarranted Attacks on the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila

As the political season gathers momentum, it is not unusual to witness attacks and attempts to discredit prominent political figures and the government. However, the Democratic Initiative Network (DIN) has observed with deep concern the sustained campaign of calumny and misinformation targeted at the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and we strongly condemn these unwarranted attacks.

In recent weeks, the factional presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar,  made allegations and called for the sacking Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila. This sounded ridiculous and one would wonder why an acclaimed Statesman would want to descend into the arena of propaganda and blackmail. One would expect someone of such height to fact-check his information. It is really shocking that he doesn’t know that the issue he is trying to make heavy weather of has been under investigation since last year and before the Court. The question on the lips of many then , what is his motive ?

Our findings indicate that his recent outburst appears to have been influenced by the Court Judgement on deregisteration of his political party ADC. We wish to state categorically that RT. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila had no role whatsoever in the deregisteration of any Political party. We therefore respectfully urge Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to direct his grievances to the appropriate institutions and pursue any legal remedies available to him, rather than dragging the Chief of Staff into matters in which he played no part.

In addition, some aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who reportedly lost out during the party’s internal electoral process, have also sought to blame him for their failed political ambitions.

From information available to us, these allegations are politically motivated and are aimed at tarnishing the image of a man who has built a distinguished record of public service.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and others who have amplified these allegations against the Chief of Staff should exercise restraint and allow the relevant authorities to conclude their investigations. While it is entirely legitimate in a democracy to demand accountability from public officials and seek clarification on budgetary or administrative matters, it is both premature and irresponsible to build a political narrative on allegations made by an individual whose purported appointment is itself the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation and prosecution.

Based on the facts currently available, the more credible conclusion is that the Office of the Chief of Staff was not the source of the alleged wrongdoing but was, in fact, the office that formally referred the matter to the appropriate security agencies for investigation. That distinction is significant and should not be ignored.

Nigeria’s democracy must be be guided by facts, due process and the rule of law not by rumours, forged documents or politically motivated narratives. While public institutions must be protected from impersonation and abuse, and public officials held accountable where credible evidence exists, public discourse must equally be safeguarded against falsehoods, malicious accusations and deliberate attempts to mislead the public.

For the aggrieved APC aspirants, It is on record
that Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila served as Chairman of the APC Supervisory Committee for the National Assembly elections. However, that assignment was purely supervisory/Ceremonial, as the authority to determine candidates rests with the leadership and constitution of the Political Party, not with any individual. We therefore urge dissatisfied party members to channel their grievances through the appropriate party structures instead of engaging in personal attacks.

We also commend Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for his exemplary service to Nigeria and his immense contributions to democratic governance. Throughout more than two decades in public service, he has demonstrated integrity, transparency, accountability and commitment to national development. His tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives during the Ninth National Assembly remains one of the most impactful in the country’s democratic history.

Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is a mentor to thousands of Nigerians and has provided a future for many through his commitment to leadership development, empowerment and selfless service.

We will not sit back and allow persons with negative motives to tarnish his hard-earned image through baseless allegations and misinformation.

With the interim report from investigating authorities, we urge them to ensure that all those behind this heinous crime of criminal defamation of character and acts likely to cause a breach of public peace are brought to book and made to face the full wrath of the law.

We stand firmly with Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, a man of good character and an unequalled public record.

In conclusion, we urge all those behind these coordinated attacks to desist from spreading unfounded allegations and instead devote their energies to constructive and productive engagements.

Thank you and God bless.

Signed