Presidency Set Aside Fraud Claims Against Gbajabiamila

The Presidency has set aside claims of fraud against Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, describing the claims as baseless and the accuser as an impostor.

The clarification followed reports circulating online that Gbajabiamila was linked to a N27.4bn fraud case. The Presidency, in a statement, insisted that the allegations were fabricated and aimed at tarnishing the reputation of a senior government official.

The statement explained that the individual behind the claims had no credibility and was impersonating a government insider. It stressed that Gbajabiamila had not been indicted by any investigative body and that his record in public service remained unblemished.

Officials noted that the Chief of Staff continues to discharge his duties with diligence and transparency, adding that attempts to smear his name were politically motivated.

Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was appointed Chief of Staff in 2023. His tenure has been marked by close coordination between the Presidency and the National Assembly, as well as oversight of key policy initiatives.

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The Presidency emphasised that his appointment was based on trust and proven competence, and that he has consistently demonstrated loyalty to the administration’s agenda.

The accuser had claimed Gbajabiamila was involved in financial misconduct. However, the Presidency categorically denied the existence of any such case, describing the allegations as “falsehoods spread by impostors seeking attention.”

It urged the public to disregard the claims and warned against the spread of misinformation capable of undermining confidence in government institutions.

Analysts believe the allegations reflect the growing intensity of political rivalries ahead of the 2027 elections. High-ranking officials often face scrutiny, but the Presidency’s swift dismissal of the claims signals its determination to protect its key aides from reputational damage.

The statement also highlighted the dangers of impersonation in public discourse, noting that false claims can erode trust and distract from governance.

Reactions to the Presidency’s defence of Gbajabiamila have been mixed. Supporters welcomed the clarification, describing it as necessary to protect the integrity of the office. Critics, however, argued that the government should allow independent investigations to address such matters.

Civil society groups have called for vigilance against misinformation, stressing that accountability must remain central to governance.

Gbajabiamila’s career has spanned decades in legislative and executive roles. As Speaker, he was instrumental in passing key bills and strengthening parliamentary oversight. His current role as Chief of Staff places him at the heart of policy coordination and presidential decision-making.

The Presidency’s defence underscores its confidence in his leadership and its rejection of attempts to link him to corruption.

By branding the accuser an impostor and dismissing the allegations as unfounded, the Presidency has sought to protect Gbajabiamila’s reputation and reaffirm its trust in his service.

The episode highlights the challenges of misinformation in Nigeria’s political space and the importance of credible communication in safeguarding public confidence.