How PFIPC Probe May Strengthen Gbajabiamila’s Position

Tinubu ordered the ICPC to investigate the alleged fake PFIPC.
Presidency maintained allegations against Gbajabiamila remain unproven in court.
ICPC has 30 days to submit findings on the alleged scheme.

The controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has widened beyond disputed appointment claims, raising broader concerns over accountability, due process and institutional integrity.

At the centre of the matter are allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew against the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. The claims have generated widespread public debate but have been consistently denied by both Gbajabiamila and the Presidency.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Government officials have maintained that allegations alone do not constitute proof, stressing that no court has found the Chief of Staff liable for any wrongdoing in connection with the disputed council.

According to the Presidency, the only criminal proceedings currently before the court involve allegations against Adeyemi and two others over alleged forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.

Supporters of Gbajabiamila also argue that his decision to publicly disown the PFIPC and refer the matter to security agencies demonstrates confidence in lawful institutional processes.

However, critics insist that questions surrounding the reported budgetary allocation linked to the PFIPC require an independent and transparent explanation. Civil society organisations and opposition figures have called for a comprehensive investigation, arguing that official denials alone are insufficient to address public concerns.

Legal observers, meanwhile, have emphasised that public opinion cannot replace judicial determination. They note that until the courts reach a decision, Adeyemi and the other defendants remain presumed innocent, while the allegations against Gbajabiamila also remain unproven unless established through competent evidence.

Amid the growing controversy, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and all matters connected to it.

The directive was disclosed on Tuesday night in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the President instructed the ICPC to conclude its investigation and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.

The Presidency stated that the investigation followed the discovery that the PFIPC was a fictitious body that was never established by the Federal Government and had no legal basis under any law, presidential directive, executive approval or other lawful government instrument.

The statement alleged that Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director General of the council and claimed to be a presidential appointee.

According to the Presidency, the ICPC will investigate the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other government documents, the use of a false claim of presidential appointment to obtain official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation, as well as the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.

The commission will also examine the broader circumstances that allegedly enabled the fictitious organisation to acquire an appearance of legitimacy.

How PFIPC Probe May Strengthen Gbajabiamila’s Position

The investigation will cover the origin and use of the alleged forged documents, the processes through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought, the opening and operation of related bank accounts, the source and movement of funds, and the possible involvement of public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or other entities that may have facilitated the alleged scheme.