PFIPC: Gbajabiamila Should Resign, It Is Unfair To Nigerians – Gombe

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Gombe, has called on the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, to resign over the controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Naija News reports that Gombe made the call on Thursday in Abuja while answering questions from journalists after the party’s National Executive Committee meeting.

He said Gbajabiamila should step aside from his office and allow an independent investigation into the allegations linked to the PFIPC controversy.

Gombe said it was improper for a public officer accused of such weighty allegations to remain in office while investigations were being demanded.

“I think if decorum prevails, there are a lot of things that need to be done. There is no way a public officer will be accused of something of this magnitude and he will still remain glued to his position,” he said.

“Gbajabiamila needs to step aside, not just as the chairman of this important committee, but also his position as the chief of staff to the president. He represents one of the greatest institutions, which is the presidency.

“The right thing to do is for him to step aside for a proper independent probe into the allegation and let them prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is innocent.”

The SDP chairman also criticised the composition of the committee on state police, questioning why Gbajabiamila was appointed to lead such a sensitive assignment amid the allegations.

“How can the President justify setting up one of the most important committees in the life of this administration and nation, state police, and announce the same person accused of this magnitude of offence against the constitution of the land to lead this committee?” he asked.

Gombe said the administration must show sensitivity and respect for Nigeria’s diversity, especially as the country moves closer to another election cycle.

“I think we need to be decorous. We need to show the world we are really ready for this democracy and ready to lead Nigeria and Africa. But the way we are going, I don’t think it is fair to Nigerians. We are a country of about 200 million Nigerians. It won’t be about one man,” he said.

He also faulted the regional composition of the 12-member state police review committee.

“I saw the way somebody reeled out the statistics of the 12-member committee for the review of the state police; whereas among the 12 members, no matter what it takes, you have nine members of that committee coming from one part of the country.

“I don’t think it will augur well for us as a nation, especially now that we are approaching elections. People need to be sensitive to our diversity and collective commitments as a nation,” he added.

‘Many Nigerians Can Handle Committee’

Gombe insisted that persons facing serious allegations should stay away from sensitive public assignments until they are cleared.

“If people are accused of a crime of this magnitude, they are supposed to lie low. There are many competent Nigerians who can be able to handle these kinds of things. Unless we want the whole world to take us seriously with this kind of attitude,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of SDP State Chairmen and Lagos State Chairman of the party, Femi Olaniyi, described the PFIPC controversy as disappointing.

Olaniyi, who was also the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos State, said the matter had embarrassed Nigerians.

“It’s something that is so disappointing. It was a big mess to all Nigerians, even to you journalists. Everybody knows what is going on. But in summary, this government of Bola Tinubu have lost track, control, and doesn’t even know where to go,” he said.

“I don’t want to talk more about that agency because the case is already in the court of jurisdiction. But I doubt whether we can get anything right with this present dispensation.”

Speaking on the forthcoming elections, Olaniyi urged SDP candidates and state chairmen to begin grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027.

“To our other candidates, the elections are not won only with party ticket. They are won by ward by ward and street by street. You are the face of the SDP in your constituencies. Please start now,” he said.

He urged them to build credible teams and focus on issues affecting Nigerians, including security, cost of living, healthcare and opportunities for young people.

“A strong National Assembly will be the backbone of the reform we promise in 2027,” he added.

Olaniyi charged state chairmen to strengthen party structures across states, local governments and wards, warning against weak or non-existent structures.

“No ghost structure must be allowed. Every ward must have a functional SDP office and a visible presence,” he said.

He also called for voter registration mobilisation, PVC collection, membership drive, fundraising, training of agents and early community engagement.

“Take the SDP to the marketplaces and the streets. However, internal rancour is a luxury that we cannot afford. We need to settle our differences now and present one SDP in every state.

“Let Nigeria feel the SDP before ballots are printed. The 2027 general election will be a referendum on Nigeria. Don’t disappoint Nigerians. The people are looking up to you,” Olaniyi said.