(By WALBE OGAK)
The Trust Tinubu Again Support Group (TRUSTA) has reaffirmed its confidence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging Nigerians to allow due process over allegations surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and claims involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Hon. Stephen Bond, the group said while the allegations reported in sections of the media are serious, they should be investigated by the appropriate institutions rather than determined through media speculation.
According to TRUSTA, President Tinubu assumed office with a mandate to reform Nigeria's governance and fiscal systems, adding that such reforms would inevitably challenge entrenched interests.
The group maintained that allegations and counter-allegations are not unusual during periods of institutional reform, stressing that transparency and accountability should be pursued through lawful investigative processes.
On the reported ₦27.4 billion grant linked to the PFIPC, TRUSTA called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the National Assembly, to conduct thorough and transparent investigations, pledging to respect whatever outcome is supported by credible evidence.
The group also defended the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, noting that he had publicly denied allegations of a ₦600 million appointment racketeering scheme. It argued that his denial deserves fair consideration while investigations proceed, citing his record as Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, during which it said over 1,200 bills were passed.
TRUSTA further warned against allowing controversies to distract from the administration's economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, tax restructuring and efforts to attract foreign direct investment, which it said are beginning to produce positive outcomes.
The group stated that while any proven wrongdoing should be addressed, Nigerians should distinguish between legitimate oversight and what it described as attempts to undermine the government's reform agenda through sensational reporting.
It therefore urged anti-graft agencies to conduct swift and professional investigations, called on the National Assembly to carry out its oversight responsibilities objectively, encouraged the media to uphold ethical journalism, and appealed to Nigerians to maintain confidence in democratic institutions.
Hon. Bond reiterated that President Tinubu has demonstrated a willingness to take difficult policy decisions and expressed TRUSTA's commitment to supporting the administration's reform programme while insisting that accountability must be guided by facts and the rule of law.
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