The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged President Bola Tinubu not to remove his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linked to the Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi and the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) controversy. The student body said on Friday that any decision should wait until ongoing investigations and legal processes are completed.
In a statement signed by its president, Babatunde Akinteye, NANS said public officials should not be punished over allegations that have not been proven. The association maintained that while it supports accountability and the fight against corruption, every Nigerian deserves fair treatment under the law.
The students’ body said it had monitored the controversy surrounding Adeyemi, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC, and noted that several groups had called for Gbajabiamila’s removal despite the absence of any court ruling against him.
According to NANS, the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence should apply to everyone, including public office holders. It advised the President to allow security agencies and other relevant authorities to complete their investigations before taking any administrative action.
The association also referred to the Presidency’s position that the PFIPC is not a recognised government agency. It noted that criminal charges had already been filed against Adeyemi over his alleged activities, saying the development showed that the matter was already before the appropriate authorities.
NANS appealed to Nigerians to avoid reaching conclusions before investigators establish all the facts. It said every allegation, the available evidence and the actions of everyone connected to the case should be carefully examined through a lawful and transparent process.
The association described Gbajabiamila as an experienced public servant whose record should not be judged solely on allegations that are yet to be established. It recalled his role as Speaker of the House of Representatives, where he participated in discussions that contributed to resolving the prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike in 2022. It also said he had consistently supported programmes aimed at improving education and youth development.
While restating its commitment to transparency, NANS warned against media trials and politically motivated campaigns. It insisted that lawful investigations should be allowed to run their course without interference or pressure from public opinion.
The student body further claimed that concerns had been raised about Adeyemi’s previous dealings with different organisations, including some outside Nigeria. It argued that such issues made it even more important for investigators to establish the facts before any conclusions were drawn.
The statement comes as the controversy surrounding the alleged fake PFIPC continues to generate public debate. The Presidency has already stated that the organisation is not a recognised federal agency and confirmed that criminal proceedings have been initiated against Adeyemi over allegations including impersonation and related offences.
Since the matter became public, different organisations have expressed varying opinions, with some demanding Gbajabiamila’s removal while others have advised caution until investigations and court proceedings are concluded.