Forensic Investigation Demanded in Tanimola's Death
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Timi Frank, has called for a forensic investigation into the death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, who was identified as an intermediary in an alleged appointment and bribery scandal involving the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. Frank argued that the circumstances surrounding Tanimola's death require a thorough probe, as the public and the deceased's family deserve answers.
Questions Raised Over Circumstances of Death
Frank's demand follows a statement by the Presidency dismissing allegations against Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, in connection with the council and its Director General, Adeniyi Adeyemi. According to Frank, the Presidency stated that police confirmed Tanimola died in a hotel in Abuja five days before Adeyemi's arrest. Frank argued that these reported circumstances necessitate a comprehensive forensic investigation.
International Community Urged to Support Probe
Frank appealed to the United States, the European Union, and other international partners to support efforts aimed at uncovering the facts behind the controversy. He emphasized that Tanimola could have been a key figure in establishing the facts surrounding the allegations, raising further questions about the case.
Key Questions Raised by Frank
The political activist questioned how an organization alleged to have no legal status could reportedly operate from government premises, receive public funding, and maintain official privileges. He claimed the agency maintained offices at the Federal Secretariat, accessed government allocations, and interacted with senior public officials. Frank also referred to reports alleging that the organization recruited hundreds of staff after receiving government approval.
"By now, we expected the Office of the Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Central Bank, the Budget Office, the National Assembly, and the relevant security agencies to be answering uncomfortable questions," Frank said. He added, "Despite widespread claims that the agency Prince Adeyemi ran did not legally exist, there are informations in public domain that the purported Director General of Presidential Foreign Intervention and Promotion Council enjoyed six police officers as escorts, official vehicles, and even an official residence."
Frank Calls for Public Action
Describing the allegations as a major corruption issue, Frank urged Nigerians, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders not to remain silent. He also criticized the National Assembly, stating that stronger legislative oversight could have prevented such an organization from operating if the allegations were proven. The Presidency has denied allegations linking the Chief of Staff to the reported activities of the council. At the time of reporting, there was no official response to Frank's latest call for a forensic investigation.
Background: Atiku's Demand for Gbajabiamila's Resignation
Earlier, the Arewa Youth Integrity Forum (AYIF) criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his demand for the resignation of Femi Gbajabiamila following bribery allegations. The group described Atiku's position as inconsistent, arguing that he should not call for removal of a public official over allegations that have yet to be investigated and proven.
