NDC demands Gbajabiamila’s removal over PFIPC scandal

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, over the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), saying the move would pave the way for an independent investigation into the matter.

The opposition party made the call in a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, describing the allegations surrounding the purported council as a serious test of the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption.

According to the NDC, the controversy has gone beyond political disagreement and now raises significant questions about governance and institutional integrity.

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The party urged the Federal Government to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into allegations made by Prince Matthew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, rather than relying solely on official denials.

The NDC noted that the allegations had assumed greater public significance following reports that the council allegedly secured budgetary allocations, opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and obtained approval for hundreds of staff positions despite the Presidency’s insistence that no such agency exists.

It questioned how an organisation described by the Presidency as non-existent could allegedly obtain financial recognition and operational access within key government institutions.

The party also queried reports that the alleged council opened domiciliary, Pounds Sterling and Treasury Single Account (TSA) accounts with the CBN, arguing that such processes ordinarily require rigorous verification and official approvals.

Similarly, the NDC expressed concern over reports that the council allegedly received approval for 314 staff positions, wondering whether such approvals could have been granted without the knowledge of relevant authorities within the Presidency and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The party further referred to allegations by Adeyemi that he paid ₦600 million to secure the appointment, with ₦400 million allegedly paid through intermediaries while the remaining ₦200 million became the subject of disagreement.

According to the NDC, if established, the allegations would indicate serious abuse of public office and institutional corruption.

The opposition party also raised concerns over the reported death of Babatunde Tanimola, identified as an alleged intermediary in the matter, as well as Adeyemi’s claims that he survived multiple assassination attempts, urging investigators to examine all aspects of the controversy.

The NDC called for the constitution of an independent investigative panel to examine the legal status of the alleged council, its purported budgetary allocations, financial transactions, account openings and personnel approvals.

It also urged anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force, to carry out what it described as a thorough investigation without fear or favour.

The party maintained that Nigerians deserve a transparent investigation capable of establishing the facts and ensuring accountability where necessary.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Chief of Staff has consistently denied the existence of the PFIPC, maintaining that no such agency was created and that no appointment was issued from the office.

Adeyemi, however, has continued to insist that the council was lawfully established and has petitioned President Tinubu to order an independent investigation into the matter.

The controversy remains the subject of ongoing legal proceedings.