PFIPC scandal: Why Gbajabiamila shouldn’t resign – Legal consultant, Ogunye
Calls for Gbajabiamila’s Resignation Over PFIPC Scandal Labeled Unjustified
A legal consultant for the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has contended that demands for his resignation amid the ongoing PFIPC scandal are unwarranted. Jiti Ogunye made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
Ogunye asserted that Gbajabiamila had the least official interaction with Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the central figure in the controversy, when compared to other government officials. He emphasized that if Gbajabiamila were to resign because of the scandal, it would necessitate the departure of numerous other officials who had more direct dealings with Adeyemi.
Among those mentioned by Ogunye were the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and the Accountant-General of the Federation. These officials reportedly had more documented interactions with Adeyemi.
He pointed to available records, which include official correspondence, as evidence that Gbajabiamila’s office had minimal engagement with Adeyemi. Ogunye questioned the rationale behind the focus on Gbajabiamila, asserting that there is no basis to suggest that his office would obstruct any inquiries related to the matter.
Describing the scrutiny of Gbajabiamila as “unfortunate,” Ogunye argued that officials who had processed requests and corresponded more directly with Adeyemi should be more accountable regarding the situation.
“It is clear that Mr. Gbajabiamila is the least authority that dealt with this man,” Ogunye stated. He further expressed confusion over why calls for Gbajabiamila’s resignation have persisted, suggesting that if such a precedent were set, many other officials would also need to resign.
“Based on the documentation,” he added, “Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila had the least official interaction with Adeyemi. Unless there is something more substantial that has not been revealed, I do not understand why he is being targeted. His presence in office should not significantly impact the investigation in question.”
Ogunye concluded by reiterating that the officials with closer ties to Adeyemi are more relevant to any upcoming inquiries.
