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The Convener of the Grassroots Good Governance Initiatives and an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Surulere, Lagos State, Honourable Bankole Kingsley, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his call for the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to resign over allegations linked to the alleged PFIPC saga.
Kingsley, popularly known as Debonair, declared his group’s “firm and unreserved support” for Gbajabiamila, describing calls for the former Speaker of the House of Representatives to step aside as premature and inconsistent with the principles of due process.
His position was contained in a statement issued in his capacity as Convener of the Grassroots Good Governance Initiatives, amid growing political exchanges over allegations that have dominated public discourse in recent weeks.
The controversy intensified after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reportedly called on Gbajabiamila to vacate his office pending the outcome of investigations into the allegations. However, Gbajabiamila has not been found guilty of any offence in relation to the matter, and the allegations remain the subject of public and political debate.
Reacting to the development, Kingsley faulted what he described as attempts to convict the Chief of Staff in the court of public opinion before the conclusion of any legal or institutional process.
According to him, Gbajabiamila has built a reputation as a statesman, principled leader and committed public servant whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and legislative reforms have earned him respect across political divides.
“Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has consistently distinguished himself as a statesman, a principled leader and a committed public servant whose record of service to Nigeria remains visible and commendable,” the statement said.
Kingsley argued that matters of public concern should be handled with fairness, restraint and respect for established legal procedures, warning against what he described as speculative narratives and politically motivated efforts to undermine the former Speaker.
He maintained that allegations should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing, stressing that due process, accountability and institutional integrity must remain the guiding principles in addressing issues involving public office holders.
The APC chieftain further urged Nigerians to allow relevant institutions to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without undue political pressure, insisting that justice can only be achieved when lawful procedures are allowed to take their course.
“As a stakeholder committed to good governance and responsible leadership, I stand with Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and encourage all well-meaning Nigerians to support truth, fairness and the sanctity of due process,” the statement added.
Gbajabiamila, who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023 before his appointment as Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains one of the most influential figures in the ruling APC.
Kingsley’s intervention adds to the growing political reactions trailing the controversy, with supporters of the Chief of Staff insisting that the constitutional presumption of innocence and respect for due process should prevail while any relevant investigations or institutional processes continue.
