Dr. Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, has urged the Federal Government to avoid publicly defending officials facing allegations before investigations are concluded, warning that such actions can undermine public confidence in the process.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Mamedu said the government’s handling of sensitive allegations is as important as the investigations themselves, as the public closely monitors official responses to accusations against senior public officials.
He said the controversy surrounding the alleged fake government agency presents an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability.
According to Mamedu, investigators should be allowed to carry out their work independently without interference or any appearance of bias.
“The biggest lesson for President Tinubu’s government is never to rush out and defend officials before investigations are completed,” he said.
Mamedu argued that public statements made before investigations are concluded can create the impression that the outcome has already been predetermined.
He said allowing due process to run its course would strengthen public confidence in the findings, whether the officials involved are ultimately cleared or found culpable.
The ActionAid Nigeria director added that previous instances of premature official statements had complicated public perception of ongoing investigations. He urged governments to avoid actions that could undermine the credibility of institutions responsible for establishing the facts.
Mamedu also said leaders should be prepared to reassess earlier positions if new evidence emerges during an investigation, arguing that acknowledging and correcting mistakes can strengthen, rather than weaken, public trust.
He called for greater transparency throughout investigative processes and stressed that independent institutions should be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities without pressure or interference.
According to Mamedu, responses to allegations involving public officials should be guided by facts established through credible investigations, with definitive statements issued only after investigators have completed their work.
