The Convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has defended the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, against what he described as the growing culture of convicting public officials in the court of public opinion before the completion of investigations or judicial proceedings.
In a statement titled “The Burden of the Chief of Staff: Why Silence Is Often Mistaken for Guilt,” Showunmi, on Thursday, argued that the Office of the Chief of Staff is one of the most influential yet least understood positions in government, requiring discretion and confidentiality rather than constant public engagement.
According to him, many Nigerians misunderstand the responsibilities of the office and often interpret the inability of its occupant to respond publicly to allegations as an admission of guilt.
“The office demands effectiveness, not visibility. It demands discretion, not publicity. It requires silence, even when accusations are flying.
“The Chief of Staff… must constantly weigh his words against the larger interests of the Presidency and the stability of government. His silence is often not weakness. It is discipline. His restraint is often not guilt. It is responsibility,” Showunmi stated.
The former spokesman for the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign said public officials should remain accountable but warned against turning allegations into convictions without evidence.
“What is not legitimate is the growing tendency to convert rumour into reality simply because it aligns with existing biases,” he said.
“Too often, citizens hear an allegation and immediately assume guilt. A whisper becomes a headline. A conspiracy becomes accepted
