The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for due process and restraint over allegations involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the director-general of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The students’ body insisted that no public official should be condemned before the conclusion of a lawful and impartial investigation.
In a statement issued yesterday and signed by its President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, NANS said it had been closely monitoring the controversy involving the situation.
The association maintained that while it supports the fight against corruption, such efforts must always be conducted within the framework of justice, fairness, equity and due process.
According to the statement, the allegations against the Chief of Staff remain unproven and should not be used as the basis for calls demanding his removal from office.
“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 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,” the statement read.
NANS also expressed concern over an attempts by biased individuals and enemies of the Renewed Hope Agenda to pressure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into removing the Chief of Staff before the allegations have been substantiated.
The association further urged the President not to allow a loyal and dedicated public servant to be sacrificed on the altar of unsubstantiated accusations before the truth is established, calling on Nigerians to allow security and investigative agencies to carry out a thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the matter.
“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,” it stated.
