A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Olusegun Osinkolu, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for publicly defending the integrity of his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

President Tinubu had on Monday reiterated his confidence in the integrity of Gbajabiamila amidst calls for his removal.

The President, while addressing the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, said he has 100 per cent confidence in the integrity of Gbajabiamila.

Osinkolu, in a statement made available to The Star, described President Tinubu as a politician who does not believe in politics of bitterness.

He said that Gbajabiamila had been with the President, even before he became the Governor of Lagos State and has always been a loyal political student of history.

Gbajabiamila, to many of his political followers, is a man of integrity and a politician without any blemish since he has been in politics.

The Ekiti-born politician described Gbajabiamila as a worthy ambassador of Lagos State, a patriot, a respected parliamentarian, and a committed public officer.

“Let us all remember that the President’s Chief of Staff, was a former speaker of the House of Representatives and as a good ambassador of Surulere federal constituency and Lagos State, he returned to the House before the President appointed him the Chief of Staff.

“Gbajabiamila’s remarkable contributions to the stability of the House of Representatives during his tenure are a testament to his visionary leadership and pragmatic approach to politics and governance.

“Gbajabiamila is exemplary; a progressive and brilliant legislator who has made history as the first lawmaker to serve as minority and majority leader in the green chambers before being elected as Speaker of the House in the Ninth National Assembly.

“Since he assumed office as Chief of Staff to Tinubu, Gbajabiamila has displayed commitment, passion, and visionary leadership in assisting the president to steer the ship of Nigeria in the right direction, which is evident in the daily wins of Mr President since he assumed office.

Tinubu backs Chief of Staff amid calls for removal

“I want to appeal to our politicians to back off from politics of bitterness and a pull him down game,” Osinkolu said.

He prayed God to preserve and grant Gbajabiamila sound mind to enable him to render more service to Nigerians.

There have been reports of push by some associates of the president for the removal of the Chief of Staff on account of alleged sales of appointments by Gbajabiamila to politicians.

Gbajabiamila, the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, had been accused of selling ministerial and board appointments to highest bidders.

There have also been campaigns of calumny against the Chief of Staff that he had prevented access to the President.

But the Tinubu has told detractors that he has confidence in Gbajabiamila’s integrity.

The President said: “First of all, let me reiterate to all of you that I’ve heard the stories flying around. Mistakes will be made and perfection is only for God Almighty. I have 100 percent confidence in the integrity of my Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.”

The Star