GBAJABIAMILA SHOULD STEP ASIDE FOR CREDIBLE PROBE, SAYS CDHR
Read Time:3 Minute, 6 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has called on the Federal Government to institute an independent investigation into allegations involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over claims that he demanded N27.4 billion and received N400 million through intermediaries to facilitate the appointment of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew as Director-General of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council/Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
The allegations emerged after Matthew reportedly accused Gbajabiamila of demanding the funds while insisting that his appointment was legitimate and backed by a letter allegedly issued by the Chief of Staff.
In a statement released on Sunday, the CDHR urged Gbajabiamila to temporarily step aside from his position pending the outcome of an independent probe.
The statement, signed by the organisation’s National President, Yinka Folarin, and National Secretary, Idris Afees, stressed that the call should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt but as a measure aimed at preserving the integrity and credibility of any investigation.
READ MORE…
According to the group, a temporary withdrawal from office would help eliminate any perception of interference, strengthen public confidence in the investigative process and demonstrate the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
The CDHR reiterated its opposition to corruption, bribery, abuse of office, forgery and impersonation, arguing that public office should not be transformed into a platform for personal gain or the sale of appointments.
The organisation maintained that no public official, regardless of status or political influence, should be shielded from scrutiny when serious allegations of wrongdoing arise.
It noted that both the government’s allegations against Matthew and Matthew’s accusations against Gbajabiamila are grave and require a thorough, impartial investigation.
According to the group, allegations of forgery, impersonation, fraudulent financial activities, bribery and abuse of office, if proven, would represent a significant threat to the integrity of public institutions and further erode confidence in governance.
The CDHR also linked the controversy to Nigeria’s broader anti-corruption challenges, noting that corruption continues to deprive citizens of essential services and development opportunities.
It called on agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a coordinated and transparent investigation into all claims made by the parties involved.
The organisation argued that the Presidency should not be responsible for investigating a matter involving one of its top officials, insisting that justice must be both done and seen to be done.
The group further endorsed the position of senior lawyer Femi Falana, who has called for all individuals connected to the controversy to be subjected to equal scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies.
In addition, the CDHR urged the DSS to investigate how the purported Presidential Economic Advisory Council, now described by authorities as non-existent, allegedly operated from the Federal Secretariat, interacted with government institutions and appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
The organisation expressed concern over reports that the entity reportedly received budgetary allocations running into billions of naira despite questions surrounding its legitimacy.
It called on the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Central Bank of Nigeria to explain how the organisation allegedly secured budgetary allocations, administrative recognition and Treasury Single Account processes.
The CDHR concluded that if allegations of forgery, impersonation and fraud against Matthew are established, he should be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Likewise, it said any public official found culpable after investigations should face appropriate legal consequences, irrespective of rank or influence.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0