By Milcah Tanimu
In a recent statement, President Bola Tinubu expressed his “absolute confidence” in the integrity of his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. This announcement was made just before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu’s comments come in response to allegations that Gbajabiamila has been involved in unethical practices, including “trading off appointments in the government of President Tinubu to the highest bidder.” The report claimed that there has been growing discontent among Tinubu’s supporters, with some pushing for Gbajabiamila’s removal from the Presidential Villa.
The allegations specifically mentioned the appointment of 10 Resident Electoral Commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission, indicating that the name of an Ekiti REC was replaced with that of a former commissioner under the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi. Furthermore, it was suggested that President’s Private Principal Secretary Akeem Okunola had been performing some of Gbajabiamila’s duties.
In response, President Tinubu stated, “I have absolute confidence in my Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.” He went on to emphasize his accountability, stating, “So, all campaign of calumny, the buck stops here! If I make mistakes, I’ll own up to them. Like everyone in the country, I make mistakes, and when I make mistakes, I iron them out and correct them. Perfection is of God Almighty.”
