- Safiu Kehinde
The 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has charged the Federal Government to probe Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, and other government officials involved in the alleged fraudulent operation of Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council led by the self-acclaimed Director-General of the council, Adeniyi Matthew.
NPO Reported that Gbajabiamila was alleged to be privy to the establishment of agency which the presidency had earlier this week claimed to be a fraudulent scheme with Adeniyi declared an impostor and con artiste.
The fictitious council scandal, as it is widely known now, had stemmed out of Adeniyi claim of being extorted by Gbajabiamila, alleging that he paid N400 million bribe to the COS.
While Gbajabiamila had denied the allegation and dismissed any connection with the agency, the fictitious council’s DG reiterated in an interview on Channels TV that the COS is aware of the council’s establishment.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Thursday by his media office, Atiku warned the FG and President Bola Tinubu against sweeping the scandal under carpet as he maintained that Nigerians demand independent probe over the case.
He challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration to come clean on many unanswered posers.
“Well-meaning Nigerians would want an independent probe of this, and other hidden scams at the seat of Tinubu’s government.
“How did an unknown state actor manage to create and reside a federal government agency in the Federal Secretariat, which is under the supervision of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, without being detected?
“How did he secure a budgetary code and allocation of N1.3 billion in the 2026 national budget?” Atiku said.
The former Vice President further cited the pictures and videos showing Adeniyi with top government officials including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and several heads of government agenices.
Atiku maintained that the presidency’s claim of the agency being a ghost agency is not tenable with the calibre of dignitaries its self-acclaimed DG, Adeniyi, was seen with.
The ADC presidential candidate demanded probe on all officials involved, stressing that a press statement is not enough to clear the scandal.
“We must never forget in a hurry that this same man met with key officials of the state and heads of government agencies, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede.
“He also met with traditional rulers, diplomats and prospective investors. Prince Adeyemi operated in the full glare of the public and not as a ghost.
“The argument that Adeyemi’s PFIPC is a ghost agency is not tenable considering that there is evidence that the Senate and House and Representatives had official communication with the so-called non-existent agency.
“The Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and others alleged to be involved in this scandal cannot excuse themselves with a mere press statement.
“Public servants and political leaders must be accountable for their stewardship. We demand a forensic public probe. No amount of government-speak or scented propaganda can clear this mess.” He said.
Meanwhile, Atiku noted that the presidency’s disclaimer about the non-existence of the council failed to address the alleged N400 million bribe collected by Gbajabiamila.
He also raised eyebrow over the alleged death of Dolapo Tanimola, the intermediary between Adeniyi and Gbajabiamila.
“By the way, the presidency’s disclaimer did not clear the air on the N400 million bribe Prince Adeyemi allegedly claimed he gave to Gbajabiamila.
“Lest we forget, there’s the mysterious death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, who served as the alleged intermediary and go-between for Adeyemi in the bribery and appointment scandal involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
“This is why a comprehensive probe into the #GbajabiamilaGate scandal is a necessity.
“The Tinubu-led APC administration claimed that Adeyemi is a con artist, but Bayo Onanuga’s statement has only confirmed what many have long speculated: that the Tinubu presidency is a monumental scam, entangled in a thick web of scandalous activities, mostly unresolved.” He said.
Atiku called for a swift trial of the case before the 2027 General Elections.
“The Tinubu presidency cannot continue to be judges in cases involving themselves or their cronies. Nigerians are tired of a series of unresolved scandals under the watch of Tinubu.
“If justice must be seen to have been done, Prince Adeyemi’s situation should become a reference point. His trial must be swift and thorough.
“And key elements in the executive and legislature should be invited to state their roles in the high-wire scam.
“We demand a judicial foreclosure of this issue before the 2027 General Elections, in order to guard against a breach of public trust and voters apathy.” He said.