The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent investigation into fresh corruption allegations involving President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, saying the claims should not be ignored.
Atiku made the call in a statement issued by his Media Office in Abuja on Tuesday.
The statement was in response to a report by The Gazette, which alleged that Gbajabiamila secured approval to divert about ₦54 billion in oil and gas royalty funds through the use of what it described as a fake law.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and Gbajabiamila had not publicly responded to them as of the time of filing this report.
Reacting to the publication, Atiku said the allegations should be subjected to a transparent and independent investigation, stressing that public officials must be held accountable whenever corruption claims arise.
“This issue goes beyond partisan politics; it is about the impunity of corruption that undermines the welfare and future of ordinary Nigerians,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President also accused the Federal Government of applying double standards in its handling of corruption allegations involving opposition figures and serving government officials.
“You can’t preach the rule of law when your own officials are awarded the trophy of untouchability,” he stated.
Atiku argued that Gbajabiamila should be investigated in the same manner as other public officials accused of corruption, recalling that former President Muhammadu Buhari suspended former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, while allegations against him were being investigated.
He added that previous allegations made against the Chief of Staff, alongside the latest claims, underscore the need for an independent investigation to establish the facts and allow Gbajabiamila to respond.
The former Vice President urged the Federal Government to ensure that its anti-corruption campaign is applied fairly and without bias, insisting that all public office holders should be treated equally before the law.
