In a significant development, President Bola Tinubu has voiced his “absolute confidence” in Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, dispelling recent allegations of trading appointments.
Tinubu made this declaration just before the commencement of this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
This statement comes in response to a report emerging just 48 hours earlier, suggesting that Gbajabiamila was facing an integrity crisis.
The report alleged that he had been involved in “trading off appointments in the government of President Tinubu to the highest bidder.”
According to the report, there was growing dissatisfaction among Tinubu’s loyalists, advocating for Gbajabiamila’s removal from the Presidential Villa.
Citing specific instances, the report referred to the appointment of 10 Resident Electoral Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission, indicating potential interference.
Despite these claims, Tinubu expressed unwavering support for Gbajabiamila, dismissing the allegations and urging an end to “campaigns of calumny.”
During the press conference on Monday, Tinubu acknowledged the existence of various stories circulating about the situation.
He reiterated his readiness to acknowledge and rectify any mistakes, emphasizing the imperfection inherent in human actions.
Tinubu asserted, “I have absolute confidence in the integrity of my Chief of Staff. All campaigns of calumny and insinuations should stop; the buck stops here.”
The President emphasized the collective commitment to fighting corruption, reinforcing the need for unity in enforcing the law.
He concluded by underlining the sensitivity of Federal Executive Council meetings, restricting unauthorized access to the Council Chambers.
Additionally, President Tinubu paid tribute to the late Adamu Fika, a former member and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, observing a minute’s silence during the session.
