At this defining moment in the history of our nation, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the apex and umbrella body unifying all student structures both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, the foremost students’ movement in Nigeria, and the most formidable pressure group in the country representing millions of Nigerian students, has continued to closely monitor the recent scandal involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and Mr. Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
For the avoidance of doubt, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) represents a significant proportion of Nigeria’s population and remains a major stakeholder in nation-building.
As a responsible and patriotic organization, NANS firmly believes that the fight against corruption must always be pursued within the bounds of justice, fairness, equity, and due process.
Accordingly, we have continued to monitor and objectively evaluate the allegations made by Mr. Adeniyi Adeyemi against the Chief of Staff.
At the same time, we have observed growing calls from certain individuals and groups demanding the immediate removal of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila despite the fact that the allegations remain unproven.
If these calls are not politically motivated or driven by vested interests, then those making them should equally respect the constitutional principle that every citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty through a transparent, credible, and lawful process.
Therefore, as the foremost pressure groups and a major stakeholder in nation-building, we are concerned by the growing calls from some biased individuals and enemies of the Renewed Hope Agenda for the removal of the Chief of Staff based solely on allegations that have yet to be substantiated. We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, not to allow a loyal and dedicated public servant to be sacrificed on the altar of unsubstantiated accusations before the truth is established.
Furthermore, it is already in the public domain that the Presidency has stated that Mr. Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), was not representing a legitimate agency of the Federal Government.
The Presidency has further maintained that the PFIPC is not an agency under the current administration and has announced that criminal charges have been instituted against him.
These developments further reinforce the need for restraint and affirmed the importance of allowing the appropriate authorities to determine the facts through lawful processes.
We therefore urge Nigerians to exercise restraint and allow the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation. The credibility of every allegation, the evidence supporting it, and the conduct of all parties involved should be objectively examined before any conclusions are reached.
Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has, over the years, distinguished himself through exemplary public service and legislative leadership. As Speaker of the House of Representatives, he played a pivotal role in facilitating engagements that contributed to the resolution of the prolonged ASUU strike in 2022 during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, helping to restore academic activities and renewed students’ confidence in responsive leadership.
His decades of service, contributions to democratic governance, and commitment to nation-building should not be disregarded on the basis of allegations that are yet to be proven.
Throughout the years, the Chief of Staff has identified with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), identifying with the aspirations of Nigerian students and supporting initiatives that advance education and youth development.
The National Association of Nigerian Students remains steadfast in its commitment to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
We support every lawful effort aimed at uncovering the truth, but we equally reject trial by media, political witch-hunts, or attempts to undermine public institutions through allegations that have not been subjected to due process.
To be clear, serious allegations and public concerns have been raised regarding Mr. Adeniyi Adeyemi’s fraudulent past dealings with several organizations, even at the international level.
In light of these concerns, we submit that his allegations against the Chief of Staff should not be accorded undue weight or treated as established fact until a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation into the matter has been concluded.
Signed:
Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS
President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
