Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and order an independent investigation into allegations of N400 million bribery involving the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.
In a statement issued by his media office, Atiku described the matter as a national scandal that cannot be ignored and urged the President to demonstrate commitment to accountability by holding his appointees to the same standards expected of other public officials.
Atiku Reacts to Gbajabiamila Bribery Allegations
The allegations were made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, Director General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. Gbajabiamila has reportedly denied the claims, stating that the agency does not exist.
Atiku questioned how N27.4 billion could have been allocated in the 2026 national budget to an agency that the Chief of Staff claims does not exist. He said the explanation has only widened credibility gaps and raised serious questions about the integrity of the entire budget process.
“N27 billion is not a joke,” Atiku stated. “The rule of law must prevail in this issue. Let President Tinubu prove to Nigerians that he is sincerely committed to accountability in his administration.”
The former Vice President recommended that Gbajabiamila be suspended pending the outcome of a thorough and independent investigation to establish the facts.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Atiku emphasised that good governance rests on transparency and accountability. He advised that protecting family members or political associates undermines public trust and weakens institutions.
The statement comes amid growing public interest in the alleged bribery scandal and the reported budgetary allocation to the agency in question. Atiku’s position is that indifference is not an option and that the matter deserves prompt and transparent handling.
The development has sparked fresh debates on social media and among political watchers about the need for stronger oversight of government spending and the conduct of top officials.
