Gbajabiamila speaks on political differences with Tinubu

Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said he never questioned the President’s leadership despite occasions when Tinubu’s political decisions did not align with his personal preferences.

Gbajabiamila made the remark on Saturday in Lagos while speaking about his political relationship with Tinubu and recent allegations involving the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

He said his relationship with Tinubu had spanned several years and that he remained loyal to the President even when some political decisions did not favour him.

“In politics, loyalty is the currency we spend the most. I have been with Mr. President for many years and there have been times when his political decisions did not favour my wishes. I did not question his leadership and never betrayed his trust in me,” Gbajabiamila said.

“I stayed loyal then and I remain loyal now. My commitment to his Renewed Hope agenda is unshaken,” he added.

Gbajabiamila also addressed the allegations linking him to the purported PFIPC, saying investigations by the relevant authorities had cleared him of wrongdoing.

He said the controversy had subjected him to scrutiny but maintained that due process was followed before conclusions were reached.

“The past few months have tested me in ways I never expected. Stories were written, strange accusations were made, lies were told, and my integrity was questioned,” he said.

“At the end of all the investigations, the Nigerian Police, the DSS, the ICPC cleared me of any wrongdoing, and the investigative reports are in the public domain.”

Gbajabiamila also said Tinubu resisted pressure to reach a conclusion before investigations into the allegations were completed.

“I must thank my principal, President Bola Tinubu. Many people wanted him to rush to judgment and give a verdict before the investigation. He refused and insisted on due process,” he said.

The controversy followed allegations surrounding the activities of the purported PFIPC. Gbajabiamila had appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in July as part of the investigation. The commission subsequently said it found no evidence linking him or his office to the purported organisation.

Gbajabiamila said the controversy would not affect his official responsibilities.

“No amount of money, no amount of blackmail or lies, whether sponsored from within or outside, will detract me from my work and the work Mr. President has given me to do,” he said.

He also warned individuals against using his name to misrepresent him or defraud members of the public.

“And to anyone using my name to defraud people or misrepresent me, know that the law will always catch up with you,” he said.