The controversy over the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, has expanded beyond Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew to include Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, and the Presidency, turning it into a major test of public accountability.
At the center of the matter are claims by Adeyemi that he was appointed to head the council. The Presidency has denied the existence of PFIPC under the Tinubu administration and described Adeyemi as an impostor.
The dispute escalated after reports that it began when Adeyemi allegedly refused to “play ball” over a demand for money related to the appointment.
According to various reports, Adeyemi alleged that Gbajabiamila, directly or through a proxy, collected N400 million, demanded an additional N200 million, and later sought 48 percent of a purported N27.4 billion take-off grant, about N13.152 billion. Other reports allege a N600 million appointment racketeering scheme and a demand for N11.52 billion in kickbacks from a purported N24 billion grant. The figures differ across reports and remain unverified.
The timeline of events has also drawn scrutiny. Reports say Gbajabiamila wrote to the Inspector General of Police on 17 October 2025, alleging forgery and impersonation, suggesting official attention to the matter long before the Presidency publicly disowned the council.
It was not until June 2026 that Onanuga publicly labeled Adeyemi a criminal impostor and insisted PFIPC never existed under this administration. The gap between the two actions has fueled public suspicion, though no court has substantiated the allegations.
The controversy has also implicated other institutions, including the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Police, EFCC, DSS, and other officials allegedly linked to the operation.
Reports allege forged appointment letters, 34 bank accounts, a Central Bank account purportedly opened with forged documents, office accommodation, recruited staff, foreign engagements, and a disputed N1.302 billion budget allocation linked to PFIPC or PEAC in the 2026 budget. All claims remain unproven.
Beyond the individuals, the case has raised concerns about institutional oversight. Documents allegedly released by the self-styled DG appear to show approvals from the Office of the Accountant General, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Budget Office, and other agencies.
Critics argue that if a fictitious body could allegedly secure such recognition and budget attention, it points to gaps in internal controls. “Corruption cannot be tackled through official denials alone, but through transparent investigations, evidence, prosecution, and accountability,” one critic said.
Public pressure has continued to mount, with many Nigerians demanding an independent investigation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar gave President Bola Tinubu seven days to order a transparent probe, warning that silence would deepen suspicion. His spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, said only a full investigation, not press statements, could establish the facts.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana said the Federal Government cannot exonerate Gbajabiamila without an investigation. The ADC has called for a judicial inquiry and Gbajabiamila’s removal, while the NDC demanded his sack and an independent probe.
In contrast, a coalition including Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora UK, Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, and the Assembly of Lagos Youths defended Gbajabiamila, arguing that budget-related issues should be handled by the National Assembly.
Some critics also say Onanuga’s public defense appeared to protect Gbajabiamila as much as it dismissed Adeyemi, a development they say has deepened public distrust.
Critics maintain that in the interest of transparency, Gbajabiamila should step aside until the allegations are independently resolved, arguing that no public office should be powerful enough to undermine a credible probe.
“If President Tinubu truly believes no one is above the law, this is the moment to prove it, because the nation deserves facts, not assurances,” one critic said.
Ultimately, observers say only a transparent and independent investigation can establish the truth and restore public confidence
