The Arewa Think Tank has called on President Bola Tinubu to disregard recent allegations targeting his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, saying they shouldn't affect how he manages his administration. Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the group's convener, made the appeal while addressing journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday.
Yakubu dismissed reports about a purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) as politically driven. He warned Nigerians to rely only on confirmed information rather than unverified claims circulating in the public domain.
According to him, prominent presidential allies often face public allegations when they take on bigger national roles. He cited the case of Senator Abdulaziz Yari, the former Zamfara State governor, who faced similar controversies during discussions about his potential involvement in 2027 election preparations.
The think tank leader urged Tinubu to stay focused on governance without getting sidetracked by political drama. "We want to tell President Bola Tinubu not to allow unverified claims to deny him the services of capable people as we approach the next general elections," he said.
Yakubu added that Nigerians must verify information before forming opinions. He also praised the Presidency's response to the controversy, saying the State House had effectively clarified matters.
In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, confirmed that the PFIPC isn't a recognised government agency. The Presidency noted that Gbajabiamila doesn't have authority to make appointments or issue official documents on behalf of such a body.
The statement also refuted claims that the chief of staff faced removal, reaffirming his continued position in government. Yakubu said the Presidency's clarification should ease public concerns about the matter.
"The official position of the Presidency is very clear," he told reporters. "Nigerians should rely on verified information rather than speculation that could distract the government."
The convener further urged political actors to behave responsibly and avoid actions that could shake public trust in democratic institutions. The allegations surrounding the PFIPC have continued drawing attention, but the Presidency has consistently maintained that the organisation operates outside the Federal Government structure.
