The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu not to take any action against the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations arising from the controversy involving Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, insisting that decisions of such magnitude should only be based on established facts and not unverified claims.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by its National President, Akinteye Babatunde, the student body maintained that while it fully supports transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption, every allegation must be subjected to proper investigation in line with the principles of justice and the rule of law.
According to the association, the controversy surrounding Adeyemi and the allegations linked to the Chief of Staff have generated widespread public debate, with some groups calling for Gbajabiamila’s removal despite the absence of any judicial pronouncement on the matter.
NANS argued that such demands were premature and urged the President to allow the appropriate authorities to complete their investigations before any administrative decision is taken.
“The fight against corruption must always be pursued within the bounds of justice, fairness, equity and due process,” the association said.
The student body further appealed to President Tinubu to resist public pressure until all the facts have been established through lawful channels.
“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow a loyal and dedicated public servant to be sacrificed on the altar of unsubstantiated accusations before the truth is established,” the statement read.
NANS emphasized that the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence applies to every Nigerian, irrespective of status or public office, and should remain the guiding standard in handling allegations.
The association also referenced the Federal Government’s position on the matter, noting that the Presidency had publicly stated that the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) is not an agency of the current administration.
It observed that criminal charges had already been instituted against Adeyemi over his alleged activities, arguing that the development reinforces the need to allow investigators and the courts to determine the facts.
“These developments further reinforce the need for restraint and affirm the importance of allowing the appropriate authorities to determine the facts through lawful processes,” the association stated.
NANS urged Nigerians to refrain from reaching conclusions before investigations are concluded, stressing that security agencies and other relevant institutions should be allowed to carry out an independent, comprehensive and impartial inquiry.
According to the association, the allegations, supporting evidence and the conduct of all parties involved should be objectively examined before any conclusions are drawn.
The student body also defended Gbajabiamila’s record in public office, describing him as an experienced public servant whose contributions to democratic governance and national development should not be overshadowed by allegations that have yet to be proven.
It recalled his role as Speaker of the House of Representatives, particularly his involvement in engagements that contributed to resolving the prolonged 2022 strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), leading to the reopening of public universities across the country.
NANS further stated that the Chief of Staff has consistently demonstrated support for policies and initiatives aimed at advancing education and youth development.
While reiterating its commitment to accountability, the association cautioned against media trials and politically driven campaigns capable of undermining due process.
“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,” the statement added.
The association also claimed that concerns had been raised about Adeyemi’s previous engagements with a number of organisations, including some at the international level, maintaining that the allegations against the Chief of Staff should not be treated as established facts until an independent investigation is concluded.
The statement comes amid continuing public interest in the controversy surrounding Adeyemi, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). The Presidency has maintained that the council is not a recognised Federal Government agency and has announced criminal proceedings against Adeyemi over alleged impersonation and related offences.
The controversy has attracted differing reactions from stakeholders, with some groups demanding action against the Chief of Staff, while others have urged restraint pending the outcome of investigations. NANS has now joined those calling for due process, insisting that law enforcement agencies and the courts should be allowed to determine the facts before any official action is contemplated.
(Ripples)