GOMEP-NG Demands Independent Probe, Urges Officials Facing Allegations to Step Aside

By Charity Uwakwe

Public confidence in government accountability is once again under the spotlight as the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) calls for an independent investigation into allegations surrounding disputed budgetary entries, alleged intimidation, and claims of financial demands involving a public office. The Guild warns that failure to act transparently could deepen public distrust and reinforce perceptions of impunity in Nigeria’s governance system.

Could this investigation redefine public accountability in Nigeria? GOMEP-NG believes only an independent probe—and the temporary stepping aside of officials facing allegations—can restore public confidence and demonstrate that no public office is above scrutiny.

GOMEP-NG is urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel into allegations involving disputed budgetary entries, alleged intimidation, and claims of financial demands. The Guild also wants officials facing the allegations to temporarily step aside to ensure a transparent, credible, and interference-free investigation that strengthens public trust.

The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to immediately initiate an independent investigation into allegations involving disputed budgetary entries, alleged intimidation, and claims of financial demands linked to a public office.

In a statement jointly signed by the Guild’s National President, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, and National Secretary, Comrade Clinton Uba, GOMEP-NG said allowing officials occupying sensitive public positions to remain in office while such serious allegations are under investigation could erode public confidence in government institutions and weaken the nation’s commitment to accountability.

According to the Guild, asking public officials to temporarily step aside during the investigation should not be viewed as an admission of guilt. Rather, it described the measure as a globally accepted accountability practice that protects the integrity of the investigative process while enabling investigators to access relevant documents, witnesses, and evidence without interference.

“Public trust cannot survive where allegations are treated as normal. The investigation must be allowed to breathe, and the truth must be allowed to emerge without fear or interference,” GOMEP-NG stated.

Furthermore, the media organisation cautioned against allowing the matter to become another high-profile national controversy that dominates public discourse but ultimately fades away without meaningful action or accountability.

Consequently, GOMEP-NG urged President Tinubu to constitute an independent investigative panel comprising respected professionals and institutions with proven integrity to ensure a transparent, impartial, and credible outcome.

The Guild recommended that the panel should not consist of individuals perceived as political loyalists or persons whose affiliations could undermine public confidence in the investigation. Instead, it proposed the inclusion of representatives from civil society organisations, forensic auditing experts, anti-corruption agencies, professional media bodies, and, where necessary, independent international observers.

According to the Guild, Nigerians deserve an investigation that is transparent, free from intimidation, political influence, and institutional bias.

GOMEP-NG maintained that the strength of every democratic society lies in the ability of its institutions to uphold justice and accountability irrespective of the status, influence, or office of those involved.

The Guild added that a transparent and independent investigation would not only strengthen public confidence in governance but also reaffirm the government’s commitment to the rule of law and institutional integrity.

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