Tinubu expresses his absolute confidence in his Chief of Staff

The president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday reaffirmed his trust in his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, despite rumours that he might be removed from the Presidential Villa for allegedly selling some of the president’s appointments to the highest bidders.

The president made this statement before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting began in the Council Chambers, State House.

Tinubu, who spoke briefly, said he had already informed Nigerians that he was not infallible and that he would always admit and correct his mistakes.

“I want to remind all of you of what I have said before. I can make mistakes; they are inevitable, and I will correct them.

“I have no doubt about the integrity of my Chief of Staff. All the smear campaigns and innuendos should stop; the buck stops here.

“If I make a mistake, I’m ready to take responsibility for it, and we’re all working together to fight corruption, and we want to uphold the law with you,” he said.

The president also addressed some issues that he had noticed and was not happy with, such as unauthorised persons entering the Council Chambers of the State House.

He named his Special Advisers on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Usman; Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; and Private Secretary, Damilotun Aderemi, as those who were allowed to be there when the nation’s business was being conducted.

“Those are the people who are allowed to be here when we’re doing the nation’s work. Unless I invite you, don’t come. Make it clear. Secretary to the Government and Head of Service, please take note.

“Unless your staff is included, no one has the privilege to sit in this (the Council Chambers), except those four that I’ve mentioned to you,” the president cautioned.