PFIPC scandal: PDP's Showunmi cautions against media trial of Gbajabiamila

PFIPC scandal coverage is driving fresh warnings from Segun Showunmi, a Peoples Democratic Party figure in Ogun State, urging Nigerians not to convict Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila in the “court of public opinion.” Showunmi, who also convenes The Alternative Movement, said due process and the rule of law should guide any conclusions as PFIPC-related allegations unfold. In a statement issued Thursday titled “The Burden of the Chief of Staff: Why Silence Is Often Mistaken for Guilt,” he referenced claims by Adeniyi Adeyemi, PFIPC’s self-acclaimed director-general, that Gbajabiamila allegedly appointed him via a letter. Adeyemi also claimed Gbajabiamila demanded N27.4bn and received N400m through proxies for the role. Gbajabiamila denied the allegations, threatened a N10bn defamation suit, and sought withdrawal and apology. Showunmi said the matter is reportedly before courts and under ICPC investigation.