A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Barr. Deji Adeyanju from the Presidential Investigation Committee probing the death of illegal miners in Niger State. The coalition, led by Comrade Ogunleye Gbolabo, National Coordinator of Solid Hands Empowerment Initiative for the Development of Rural Areas, expressed concerns over Adeyanju's conduct since his appointment. They described the committee's assignment as sensitive, requiring integrity, maturity, focus, and coordination.
The coalition stated that committee members must demonstrate restraint, neutrality, and professionalism throughout the investigation. They are expected to carry out their duties diligently, independently, and without bias or external influence. The statement noted that members should not make public comments or grant media interviews while the investigation is ongoing, and only the chairman is authorized to speak on the committee's behalf.
However, Barr. Adeyanju has continued to engage with the media, making public pronouncements, taking sides, and attempting to pre-empt the investigation's outcome. The coalition described this conduct as unprofessional, portraying a lack of understanding of the assignment's terms and ethics. They warned that such actions could prejudice the investigation and compromise the committee's neutrality.
The coalition outlined the implications of Adeyanju's attitude, citing the potential to create a wrong public perception, heat up the polity, and undermine confidence in the final report. They also noted that public comments by a sitting member could expose the committee to accusations of bias, weaken its credibility, and provide grounds for affected parties to reject its findings.
Furthermore, the coalition stressed that a presidential investigation requires teamwork, confidentiality, and discipline. They appealed to President Tinubu to act swiftly and remove Adeyanju from the committee to safeguard the investigation's credibility and integrity. This would ensure that the outcome is acceptable to all stakeholders.
The investigation was established to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of illegal miners in Niger State. The committee's report is expected to provide answers to the incident and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The coalition's call for Adeyanju's removal has raised concerns about the investigation's impartiality and the need for a thorough probe.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians demanding accountability and justice for the victims. The coalition's demand for Adeyanju's removal has added to the growing pressure on the government to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation. President Tinubu's response to the coalition's call remains unknown.
Key points
- Coalition of Civil Society Organisations demands removal of Barr. Deji Adeyanju from Presidential Investigation Committee
- Adeyanju's conduct described as unprofessional and prejudicial to the investigation
- Coalition stresses need for impartial investigation to ensure credibility and integrity
