The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has raised concerns about the allegations levied against the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, emphasizing that such accusations have the potential to undermine the nation’s democracy. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday to address the state of the nation, Abbas urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.
Femi Gbajabiamila has become the focal point of accusations involving the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, raising questions about corruption. The Speaker, while addressing the public, called for a halt to the spread of fake news and encouraged constructive criticism as a means of making government officials more accountable.
Abbas expressed concern about the increasing trend of defamation campaigns on social media, where false and misleading information is intentionally disseminated to harm the reputations of individuals or organizations. He noted that such campaigns often target political opponents, aiming to undermine their credibility, integrity, and public trust.
Highlighting the recent unfounded allegations against Femi Gbajabiamila, Abbas underscored the dangers of an unchecked and unaccountable social media environment. He emphasized that these acts not only jeopardize the integrity of the nation’s democracy but also erode the fabric of national unity. Abbas acknowledged the vulnerability of many Nigerians to cyberbullying and coordinated defamation campaigns, stressing the need for accountability and consequences for those responsible.
Describing Gbajabiamila as a patriot with integrity, Abbas urged security agencies to promptly investigate the matters raised in Gbajabiamila’s letter to them and inform the public of their findings. He called for the identification and prosecution of those responsible for character assassination if Gbajabiamila is found not guilty.
Expressing regret over the attempt to damage the reputation of someone who has built credibility through hard work and commitment, Abbas emphasized the need to address such actions for political or personal motives. He urged that those engaging in character assassination face legal consequences to deter such deplorable behavior.
