Suliat Lawal
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has defended the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, against what he described as attempts to convict the presidential aide in the court of public opinion over allegations currently under investigation.
Showunmi, in a statement titled “The Burden of the Chief of Staff: Why Silence Is Often Mistaken for Guilt,” argued that the Office of the Chief of Staff remains one of the most misunderstood positions in government, insisting that the silence of its occupant should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
According to him, the office requires discretion because of its strategic role in coordinating presidential activities, managing sensitive government affairs and ensuring policy implementation.
He said, “The Office of the Chief of Staff is not a political talk show or a social media influencer position. It is a strategic management office at the heart of the Presidency.”
The former governorship aspirant maintained that while public officials should be held accountable, allegations against them should be subjected to due process rather than public condemnation.
He noted that matters relating to the allegations against Gbajabiamila were reportedly before the courts and relevant investigative agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Showunmi urged Nigerians to allow the judicial process and anti-corruption agencies to determine the facts instead of relying on rumours and social media narratives.
“When allegations arise, institutions must investigate. When disputes emerge, courts must adjudicate. When facts are contested, evidence must prevail,” he said.
He warned that the growing culture of treating unverified allegations as established facts poses a threat to democratic governance and the rule of law.
According to him, many critics exploit the confidential nature of the Chief of Staff’s responsibilities to promote speculation, arguing that the office often demands restraint rather than public engagement.
He added that public officials occupying highly sensitive positions could not always respond to every allegation without compromising the larger interests of government.
Showunmi also cautioned against what he described as attempts to undermine public institutions in the pursuit of political objectives.
He said citizens had the right to demand accountability and transparency from public office holders, but stressed that such demands must not degenerate into mob justice or the destruction of democratic institutions.
The PDP chieftain urged Nigerians to uphold the principles of fairness, due process and the presumption of innocence, insisting that allegations should remain allegations until proven by competent authorities.
He said Gbajabiamila’s years in public service, including his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives and his current role as Chief of Staff, should be assessed through verifiable facts rather than speculation.
Showunmi maintained that history would ultimately judge public officials based on established facts, respect for institutions and adherence to the rule of law, rather than the volume of rumours circulating in the public space.
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