Allegations against Gbajabiamila unsubstantiated, distractions: Coalition

It's a sweltering afternoon in Lagos, the city's streets a cacophony of horns, vendors calling out to passersby, and the hum of generators providing power to homes and businesses. Amidst this chaos, a coalition of Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora United Kingdom, Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, and the Assembly of Lagos Youths has issued a statement dismissing allegations against the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila. The coalition's reaction is a response to a viral video linking Gbajabiamila to budgetary issues surrounding the purported Presidential Fiscal and Investment Policy Commission, PFIPC.

This coalition, comprising individuals from the UK, the US, and Nigeria, has taken a firm stance on the matter, urging Nigerians not to undermine public confidence without credible evidence. "Public service comes with intense scrutiny," they said in a joint statement. "While accountability remains a cornerstone of democratic governance, public discourse must be guided by facts, evidence, and due process rather than speculation." The coalition's words are a reminder that politics, facts matter, and speculation can be damaging.

The allegations against Gbajabiamila are centered around claims that the PFIPC, reportedly disowned by the Chief of Staff, was listed in the 2026 budget alongside the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, PEAC, with a combined allocation exceeding N1.3 billion. This has sparked controversy, with some critics calling for Gbajabiamila's head. However, the coalition sees this as an attempt to tarnish the Chief of Staff's image. "If critics have reservations over budgetary allocations, the appropriate institution to seek clarification from is the National Assembly," they said. Public officials should be judged on evidence, not conjecture.

The National Assembly, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives, plays a crucial role in the budgetary process. It is the institution that scrutinizes the budget and ensures that it aligns with the country's development goals. The coalition's suggestion that critics should seek clarification from the National Assembly highlights the importance of this institution in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. However, the National Assembly has faced criticism in the past for its handling of the budget, with some arguing that it has failed to provide adequate oversight.

The PFIPC, which has been at the center of the controversy, has been described as a phantom commission by some critics. The commission, which was reportedly disowned by Gbajabiamila, has been listed in the 2026 budget alongside the PEAC, with a combined allocation exceeding N1.3 billion. However, the PFIPC's existence is shrouded in mystery, with some questioning whether it is even a legitimate commission. The coalition's statement has raised more questions than answers, leaving many to wonder whether the PFIPC is a real commission or a mere figment of imagination.

The allegations against Gbajabiamila have dominated the headlines in recent days, with many calling for the Chief of Staff's resignation. However, the coalition sees this as a distraction from the real issues facing the country. "Public officials should be judged on evidence, not conjecture," they said. The coalition's statement has sparked a debate on the role of speculation in public discourse, with some arguing that it is a necessary evil in a democracy. However, others see speculation as a threat to accountability and transparency in governance.

As the controversy surrounding the PFIPC and Gbajabiamila continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the National Assembly has a critical role to play in ensuring that the budget is transparent and accountable. The coalition's statement has raised more questions than answers, leaving many to wonder whether the PFIPC is a real commission or a mere figment of imagination. As Nigerians, we must demand more from our leaders, and from ourselves. We must seek clarification from the National Assembly and ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions. Only then can we move forward and build a better Nigeria for ourselves and future generations.

• The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, has been accused of being linked to budgetary issues surrounding the purported Presidential Fiscal and Investment Policy Commission, PFIPC.
• The coalition comprising Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora United Kingdom, Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, and the Assembly of Lagos Youths has dismissed the allegations as unsubstantiated and a distraction.
• The PFIPC has been listed in the 2026 budget alongside the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, PEAC, with a combined allocation exceeding N1.3 billion.
• The National Assembly has been called upon to provide clarification on the budgetary allocations.
• The coalition has urged Nigerians not to undermine public confidence without credible evidence.