How PFIPC Probe May Strengthen Gbajabiamila’s Position

The controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has shifted from a dispute over appointment claims to a broader test of 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 allegations have generated public debate, but they have been repeatedly denied by both Gbajabiamila and the Presidency.

From the Presidency’s standpoint, its strongest defence appears to rest on the principle that allegations alone do not amount to proof.

Government officials have maintained that no court has found Gbajabiamila liable for any wrongdoing in connection with the disputed council.

Instead, they argue that the only criminal proceedings currently before the court relate to allegations against Adeyemi and two others over alleged forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.

Supporters of the Chief of Staff also contend that Gbajabiamila’s decision to publicly disown the PFIPC and refer the matter to security agencies strengthens his position.

They argue that the move shows confidence in lawful institutional processes.

Critics, however, insist that questions surrounding the reported budgetary allocation linked to the PFIPC still require an independent explanation.

Civil society groups and opposition figures have called for deeper investigations, saying transparency demands more than official denials.

For legal observers, however, the central principle remains that public opinion cannot replace judicial determination.

Until the court decides the pending case, Adeyemi and the other accused persons remain presumed innocent.

Similarly, allegations against Gbajabiamila remain unproven unless established by competent evidence.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of a “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC) and all related matters.

Naija News reports that this was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday night by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President directed that the investigation be concluded and a comprehensive report submitted to him within 30 days.

The statement added: “The directive follows the discovery of the fictitious PFIPC, which was never established by the Federal Government of Nigeria and has no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or other lawful act of Government.

“One Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew presented himself as the Director-General of the so-called PFIPC and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.

“Among the issues to be investigated by the ICPC are the forged appointment letters and other official government documents; the use of a false claim of presidential appointment to seek or obtain official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation; and the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.

“President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate not only the conduct of the principal individual and other collaborators involved but also the wider circumstances that may have enabled a fictitious body and a false claim of presidential appointment to acquire an appearance of official legitimacy.

“The investigation is to examine the provenance and use of false official documents; the processes through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought or obtained; the opening and operation of any related bank accounts; the source and movement of any funds involved; and the role of any public officer, private individual, financial institution, intermediary or other person or entity that may have facilitated, enabled or participated in the alleged scheme.”