Pressure is mounting on the presidential panel investigating the deaths of illegal miners in Niger State, as a coalition of civil society organisations has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju from the committee.
The coalition alleged that Adeyanju’s public comments on the incident while the investigation was ongoing could undermine confidence in the panel and create doubts about its neutrality.
The demand was contained in a statement issued by the National Coordinator of the Solid Hands Empowerment Initiative for the Development of Rural Areas, Comrade Ogunleye Gbolabo, on behalf of the coalition.
Gbolabo alleged that Adeyanju’s conduct since his appointment had raised concerns about the credibility and impartiality of the investigation.
He said members of a presidential inquiry were expected to maintain restraint, confidentiality and professionalism until the completion of their assignment.
According to him, the committee was given a two-week mandate to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and submit its findings to President Tinubu.
The coalition alleged that Adeyanju had continued to speak to the media and make public comments about the matter despite the ongoing investigation.
Gbolabo argued that such comments could give the impression that conclusions had been reached before the panel completed its work.
He said members of a sensitive presidential inquiry should allow the chairman to communicate the committee’s official position rather than publicly commenting on issues before the panel.
The CSOs also expressed concern that public disagreements among members could weaken the cohesion of the committee and distract it from its mandate.
Gbolabo urged the panel to maintain confidentiality, teamwork and discipline while concentrating on establishing the facts surrounding the miners’ deaths.
The coalition consequently appealed to Tinubu to remove Adeyanju from the panel, arguing that doing so would help protect the credibility and integrity of the investigation.
The group said it would await the panel’s final report but warned that it would reject the outcome if it concluded that the investigation had been compromised.
The CSOs urged all members of the committee to remain neutral and professional and conduct the inquiry without fear, favour or external influence.