Strong indications suggest that Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, may soon find himself without a job due to allegations of selling government appointments to the highest bidder.
Reports indicate that loyalists of Tinubu are becoming increasingly vocal in their demand to have Gbajabiamila removed from the Presidential Villa.
Recent appointments by the President, including the selection of 10 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have raised concerns. It is alleged that Gbajabiamila, since assuming office, has been making substitutions to the names originally approved by the President.
One case highlighted involved the replacement of the appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State. Gbajabiamila allegedly replaced the President’s chosen candidate with a former commissioner from the previous Ekiti state government, led by Kayode Fayemi.
According to a source, “The REC from Ekiti that he (Gbajabiamila) put there, the man was Fayemi’s former commissioner, that was not the person Asiwaju signed off on. The person Asiwaju signed off on was one Toyin (Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola), the former Legal Adviser of INEC. But when the announcement was made, two members of the President’s cabinet met with him to complain that the person they nominated had been changed with another person. The President was infuriated, he said he checked the name of the woman before he signed the list.”
This is reportedly not an isolated incident. The President has allegedly had to confront Gbajabiamila multiple times over similar issues, resulting in dissatisfaction and frustration.
The discontent with Gbajabiamila’s performance has led to discussions about transitioning him into an ambassadorial role.
President’s Private Principal Secretary, Akeem Okunola, is said to be already handling some of Gbajabiamila’s duties, and a team is being formed to support the Chief of Staff.
Furthermore, there are concerns about the National Social Investments Programme (NSIP) and appointments made without aligning with Tinubu’s recommendations.
In sum, Gbajabiamila’s position as Chief of Staff appears to be on shaky ground, with growing discontent and a plan in motion for his exit.
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