The allegations surrounding Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, regarding a $1 million bribe for the Director-General position at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), are both shocking and deeply troubling. If proven true, this alleged “pay-to-play” scheme undermines Nigeria’s governance and integrity, dragging public trust in the Tinubu administration into further disrepute. Huhuonline.com understands that Gbajabiamila suffers from incurable money-mindedness, and he will stop at nothing in his quest for personal financial gain!
The claims, bolstered by audio recordings and testimonies to the anti-graft agency (EFCC), suggest a web of corruption involving multiple parties. Victor Ochei, a former NIMASA Executive Director, reportedly paid $1 million to Gbajabiamila in hopes of securing the DG position but failed in his bid. Further accusations detail that other aspirants allegedly paid between $2 million and $3 million to Gbajabiamila, who reportedly shared the spoils with his Principal, President Tinubu; thus, underscoring a systemic exploitation of public office for personal financial gain.
With an estimated net worth of $450 million, Victor Ochei, former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, is listed as the 7th richest man in Delta State with substantial investments in the energy sector. The audacity of these transactions, orchestrated at the highest levels of government, erodes the moral fabric of public service. Ochei’s eventual petition to the EFCC and the incriminating confession by Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, who allegedly facilitated the bribes, paints a damning picture of pervasive corruption within Tinubu’s inner circle. Oni-Okpaku’s detention and the discovery of $30,000 in her possession deepen the scandal, as her claims of lobbying the President’s close allies expose how patronage politics festers unchecked under the auspices of Gbajabiamila.
This sordid episode cannot be dismissed as mere political maneuvering by the president’s men. It raises serious questions about President Tinubu’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring merit-based appointments. The culture of monetizing key government positions by Gbajabiamila is not only unethical but cripples national progress, as competence is traded for cash and sexual favors.
Nigerians deserve accountability. The deafening silence of Gbajabiamila and the inaction so far of President Tinubu only confirms complicity, betraying the citizens’ trust. This scandal demands thorough investigation, transparency, and, most importantly, justice for all who abused public trust for personal enrichment.
Commentary: Mr. President, Sack Gbajabiamila Now!
The allegations against Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, of accepting a $1 million bribe in a sordid “pay-to-play” scheme for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General post are not just reprehensible but emblematic of the rot undermining Nigeria’s governance. This scandal, involving amounts as high as $3 million from other aspirants, represents a blatant betrayal of public trust and the exploitation of state institutions for personal gain.
Gbajabiamila’s position as a top official in the presidency makes these allegations especially egregious. Such behavior tarnishes the reputation of the Tinubu administration and the nation. His actions, if verified, are an outright abuse of power and a direct affront to the promises of transparency and accountability President Tinubu made to Nigerians. Anything less is a betrayal of the nation’s future.
No leader can claim moral authority or a commitment to good governance while keeping someone accused of such egregious misconduct in their inner circle.
Gbajabiamila’s continued tenure undermines the credibility of the government and further entrenches public cynicism about the political class. His resignation should not just be demanded—it should be immediate. Anything less than his stepping down amounts to complicity in fostering corruption at the highest levels of power by President Tinubu. Gbajabiamila’s continued presence as Chief of Staff to President Tinubu is untenable in light of damning allegations. This scandal not only exposes brazen corruption but also undermines the integrity of the presidency and governance in Nigeria.
Such behavior is an egregious betrayal of public trust. By allegedly turning a vital government appointment into a cash-for-influence enterprise, Gbajabiamila has demonstrated contempt for the rule of law and the principles of meritocracy. This corrupt act, if left unpunished, sets a dangerous precedent, signaling to Nigerians and the international community that the Tinubu administration tolerates impunity at the highest levels. This is a gross affront to the democratic values that President Tinubu’s government claims to uphold.
The allegations implicate Gbajabiamila not just in personal misconduct but in a systemic corruption racket that drags others into the mire, such as Pius Akinyelure and Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku. This demands an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation. However, any such investigation will be severely compromised if Gbajabiamila retains his position, given his proximity to power.
Recent investigations into pay-to-play scandals in Nigeria highlight several concerning examples of systemic corruption involving public officials and private interests. A prominent issue is the revelation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that Nigerians paid an estimated N721 billion (approximately $1.26 billion) in bribes to public officials in 2023 alone. These bribes were primarily for expedited processes or undue advantages, indicating the deeply entrenched culture of corruption across the public sector.
To restore public confidence and preserve the administration’s credibility, Gbajabiamila must resign immediately. If he refuses, President Tinubu must act decisively and terminate his appointment. Anything less would be a betrayal of the mandate entrusted to this government by Nigerians; and the nation’s future as well. Furthermore, anti-corruption agencies must prosecute all implicated individuals, ensuring that justice is served without fear or favor. This is not just about Gbajabiamila; it is about signaling a zero-tolerance stance against corruption in Nigerian politics.
Moreover, this issue cannot end with resignation. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must intensify investigations and hold all parties accountable, including Gbajabiamila. Nigerians deserve not only an administration free of corruption but also the assurance that no officeholder is above the law. These cases highlight the entrenched culture of corruption, eroding public confidence and undermining equitable governance. Addressing these issues requires stringent enforcement of anti-corruption laws, transparency in processes, and public accountability for officials and private sector actors implicated in such practices.
