The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged President Bola Tinubu not to remove the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations yet to be proven, insisting that due process and the rule of law must prevail.

 

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the student body said it had closely followed the controversy involving Gbajabiamila and Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

 

NANS said calls by some individuals and groups for the immediate removal of the Chief of Staff were premature, stressing that allegations alone should not be the basis for condemning a public official.

 

“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 association said.

 

The student body maintained that the anti-corruption fight must always be conducted within the confines of justice, fairness and constitutional safeguards, including the presumption of innocence.

 

“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,” NANS stated.

 

The association also referenced the Presidency’s position that the PFIPC is not a recognised agency of the Federal Government and that Adeyemi was not acting on behalf of any legitimate government institution. It noted that criminal charges had already been initiated against him, arguing that the development further underscored the need to allow law enforcement agencies conclude their investigations.

 

“These developments reinforce the need for restraint and affirm the importance of allowing the appropriate authorities to determine the facts through lawful processes,” the statement added.

 

NANS called on Nigerians to refrain from rushing to judgment and instead allow an independent and impartial investigation into the matter.

 

The association further defended Gbajabiamila’s public service record, recalling his role as Speaker of the House of Representatives in facilitating engagements that contributed to resolving the prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities> strike in 2022 and restoring academic activities.

 

According to NANS, Gbajabiamila’s years of service to democratic governance, education and youth development should not be overshadowed by allegations that have not been substantiated.

 

“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 association said.

 

The group also alleged that concerns had previously been raised about Adeyemi’s past dealings with several organisations, arguing that his claims against the Chief of Staff should not be treated as established facts until investigations are concluded.