Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Solomon Dalung, has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, pending the investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged fake federal agency.
Dalung said placing the Chief of Staff on suspension would help guarantee a transparent and impartial investigation, following allegations by the agency’s embattled Director-General, Mr Adeniyi, that he paid N600 million to secure his appointment.
Speaking with journalists at his residence in Jos, Plateau State, Dalung alleged that Gbajabiamila played a central role in the matter and should temporarily step aside to avoid influencing the investigation.
He argued that any officials working under the Chief of Staff would be unable to carry out an independent probe.
Expressing concern over the incident, Dalung questioned how an agency now being described as non-existent operated from the Presidential Villa and was reportedly included in the national budget.
He also pointed to the allegation that the agency’s Director-General paid a N600 million bribe before his appointment, asking how a supposedly fake agency gained access to the seat of government if the claim was untrue.
Although President Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the allegations, Dalung said he had little confidence in the commission’s ability to handle the matter independently.
According to him, the anti-corruption agency lacks the credibility required for such an investigation, alleging that it has been used to target critics of the current administration.
Dalung further maintained that President Tinubu had not demonstrated sufficient commitment to ensuring a fair investigation because Gbajabiamila remains in office despite the allegations.
He claimed the Chief of Staff was implicated in the controversy, either through direct involvement or failure to act, insisting that his suspension would reassure Nigerians that the investigation would be conducted without interference.
The former minister also dismissed reports that the ICPC had invited Gbajabiamila for questioning, arguing that the commission could not be regarded as fully independent since it operates under the executive arm of government.