By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged President Bola Tinubu not to remove his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations it said have yet to be proven, insisting that any action taken without due process would undermine the principles of justice and fairness.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the student body cautioned against what it described as growing pressure from some individuals and groups seeking Gbajabiamila’s removal based on allegations made by Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

NANS said while it supports the fight against corruption, such efforts must be guided by the rule of law and the constitutional principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The association said it had closely monitored the controversy surrounding the allegations and the ensuing public reactions, warning against “trial by media” and politically motivated campaigns aimed at discrediting public officials.

It maintained that the allegations against the Chief of Staff should be subjected to an independent and transparent investigation before any conclusions are reached.

“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow a loyal and dedicated public servant to be sacrificed on the altar of unsubstantiated accusations before the truth is established,” the statement said.

NANS also referenced the Presidency’s position that the PFIPC is not a recognised agency of the Federal Government and that Adeyemi was not acting on behalf of any legitimate government institution.

According to the association, the Presidency has also disclosed that criminal charges have been instituted against Adeyemi, a development it said reinforces the need for restraint while lawful investigations continue.

The student body called on Nigerians to allow the relevant authorities to conduct what it described as a thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the matter.

It stressed that the credibility of the allegations, the available evidence and the conduct of all parties involved should be objectively examined before any official action is taken.

NANS also defended Gbajabiamila’s record in public service, recalling his role as Speaker of the House of Representatives in facilitating engagements that contributed to the resolution of the 2022 Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, which restored academic activities in public universities.

The association said Gbajabiamila has consistently supported initiatives aimed at advancing education and youth development.

While reaffirming its support for transparency and accountability in public office, NANS said it would not endorse attempts to undermine democratic institutions through unverified allegations or political witch-hunts.

The association also noted that concerns had previously been raised regarding Adeyemi’s alleged past dealings with several organisations, adding that such issues underscore the need to scrutinise his claims through due process rather than treat them as established facts.

NANS reiterated its call for due process, insisting that justice can only be served through credible investigations and lawful procedures, not public pressure or unsubstantiated allegations.