The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has issued a strong warning against individuals it accuses of trying to sabotage the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The group alleges that a campaign of fake news and malicious reports is being used to target key officials and undermine the government's work.
Deliberate Plot to Destabilize the Presidency
In a statement released on Saturday, the National Coordinator of the Forum, Rt. Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, described recent false narratives against the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as part of a broader plot. Political detractors are allegedly using these tactics to weaken the Tinubu presidency and derail its reform agenda.
The Forum stated that the goal of this misinformation campaign is threefold:
- To create internal discord within the Presidency.
- To distract the government from its governance priorities.
- To erode public confidence in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative.
"The circulation of false, misleading and malicious reports against the Chief of Staff is not accidental," the statement declared. It emphasized that this is a calculated attempt to destabilize the Presidency by attacking officials who play critical supporting roles.
Gbajabiamila's Record and Role Defended
The NFFL strongly condemned what it called a coordinated disinformation campaign, arguing that attacks on Gbajabiamila are effectively attacks on the Tinubu administration itself. To provide context, the Forum highlighted Gbajabiamila's extensive legislative background.
He served six terms in the House of Representatives, holding key leadership positions including Minority Leader, Majority Leader, and ultimately Speaker of the 9th House from 2019 to 2023. The Forum credited him with providing disciplined leadership, ensuring stability, and strengthening ties between the legislature and the executive during his tenure.
Since his appointment as Chief of Staff, the NFFL stated that Gbajabiamila has continued to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and administrative competence. He plays a strategic role in coordinating presidential activities and supporting the implementation of Tinubu's policy priorities.
Call for Action and Reaffirmation of Confidence
The Forum commended President Tinubu for placing his confidence in Gbajabiamila, calling the appointment a reflection of the President's commitment to merit and effective governance. While noting that the Presidency has already dismissed the reports as baseless, the NFFL warned that the deliberate spread of fake news poses a serious threat to democratic governance and national cohesion.
The group disclosed plans to petition relevant security agencies to investigate and prosecute those behind the false reports. The statement concluded with a firm declaration of support: "We express absolute confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and in the capacity of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff. Any attempt to undermine him is an attempt to sabotage this administration."
