ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu is currently facing increased pressure following revelations of alleged corruption involving his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Sources disclosed that Gbajabiamila has been implicated as one of the beneficiaries in the corruption probe centered around Ahmed Kuru, the Chief Executive Officer of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
The investigative report by SaharaReporters outlined how Gbajabiamila allegedly benefited from Kuru’s “largesse of Ikoyi properties from his days as Speaker of the House of Representatives.”
The report also suggested that Gbajabiamila played a role in ensuring Kuru’s continued tenure as AMCON’s Chief Executive.
Fresh information has emerged, revealing Emefiele and Kuru’s involvement in an abuse of office to acquire banks, including Polaris, Keystone, and Unions Banks, using public funds.
The probe, which prompted the dissolution of the boards and management of several banks, was submitted to President Tinubu.
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The investigation further disclosed a scheme by Emefiele and Kuru to invest N20 billion in Heritage Bank in 2017, leading to a loan of N25 billion granted to the Sigma Golf Consortium, which included Emefiele, Kuru, Abu Funtua, Asega Alega, and Umaru Modibbo (as front) to acquire Keystone Bank.
Despite the attempt to remove Gbajabiamila from the corruption narrative, sources suggest that President Tinubu is under pressure from political associates concerned about the allegations tarnishing their reputation.
The source mentioned Gbajabiamila’s persistent support for Kuru’s position at AMCON, spanning two terms of a democratically elected President.
Questions arise about the effectiveness of the investigative team, as the report did not indict Kuru, raising suspicions of a possible bargain. Suggestions for transferring the cases to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been made to ensure a more thorough investigation.
Efforts to reach Gbajabiamila and Kuru for comments were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to calls or text messages.
The unfolding scandal adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape, with uncertainties surrounding the implicated figures and their roles in the alleged financial misconduct.