PFIPC SCANDAL: Demand for Gbajabiamila’s sack heightens
*Allegations point to institutionalised corruption, says Opposition
TOSIN ADAMS
There are growing calls for the immediate sack of Femi Gbajabiamila, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, following allegations of demanding bribes levelled against him by Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi. Many who made the call premised their stance on the need for a thorough and unbiased probe by the Federal Government.
Among those who made the demand on Friday were human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, former Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung and several members of the opposition parties.
Opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) described the allegations as grave and said Gbajabiamila’s continued stay in office would compromise any credible investigation into the matter.
In a press statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the opposition party accused the Chief of Staff of being connected to the activities of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), which it claimed was used to divert public funds despite the Presidency’s reported denial that such an agency exists.
“The non-existent agency was allegedly used to siphon public funds, with the active collusion and facilitation by the Chief of Staff, Gbajabiamila,” the statement read.
The NDC said the allegations were based on claims made by Prince Matthew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who identifies himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC.
According to the party, Adeyemi alleged that the agency received allocations in the 2026 budget and operated several financial accounts, including domiciliary accounts and a Treasury Single Account (TSA), despite the Presidency reportedly disowning the organisation.
“The NDC finds it deeply troubling that an agency the Presidency claims does not exist could open multiple high-level financial accounts at the apex bank,” the party stated.
“How then was a fictitious agency able to open such accounts without the necessary documentation?”
The party also questioned claims that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service approved 314 staff positions for the agency, saying such actions, if confirmed, would raise serious concerns about accountability within government institutions.
It further referenced allegations by Adeyemi that the Chief of Staff demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s take-off grant, reportedly valued at more than ₦27.3 billion.
“These are not mere allegations; they point to a disturbing pattern of institutionalised corruption, including the alleged sale of appointments to the highest bidders.
“The panel must also investigate the mysterious death of Mr Babatunde Tanimola and the assassination attempts on Prince Adeyemi, with a view to uncovering the full truth and bringing perpetrators to justice. Similarly, Adeyemi should immediately be given witness protection privileges.
“The NDC stands firmly with the people of Nigeria in demanding accountability. Anyone found culpable in this sordid affair, no matter how highly placed, must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the statement concluded.
