By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Edo State chapter of the Ofurumapepe Movement, also known as the Henry Seriake Dickson (HSD) Movement, has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to step aside pending the outcome of an investigation into the alleged inclusion of a controversial agency in the 2026 federal budget.
The demand follows President Tinubu’s directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other relevant agencies to conduct a full-scale investigation into the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, described by critics as a “fake agency” that allegedly secured a N1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 budget.
Addressing journalists in Benin, the Edo State chapter coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi criticized what it described as the Presidency’s delayed response to the controversy, noting that nearly two weeks elapsed before the President publicly ordered an investigation.
Comrade Ogbidi expressed concern over what it termed the Presidency’s “reluctance” and “sluggishness” in responding to the allegations, arguing that the delay had raised questions about the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth.
According to him, allowing officials named in the controversy to remain in office while investigations are ongoing undermines public confidence in the process.
He specifically alleged that Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila is a principal figure in the scandal and insisted that he should immediately proceed on administrative leave or step aside to prevent any possibility of influencing the investigation.
“How will you allow him to remain in a position of authority where he has the capacity to influence the decisions of those investigating a matter concerning him?” the state coordinator of the group asked, arguing that failure to remove him temporarily suggests the administration is not genuinely interested in conducting a credible probe.
He further contended that if the government still wishes to demonstrate integrity and transparency, asking the Chief of Staff to step aside would be the “least honourable” course of action pending the conclusion of the investigation.
He also accused the Tinubu administration of grappling with a growing trust deficit arising from what he described as repeated corruption allegations and an apparent lack of political will to address them decisively.
Describing the latest controversy as another test of the administration’s commitment to accountability, he maintained that the President should act swiftly to preserve the credibility of the investigative process.
The coordinator argued that because Gbajabiamila occupies one of the most influential positions in the Presidency and is regarded as a key member of the President’s inner circle, it would be inappropriate for him to remain in office while allegations against him are being investigated.
