The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to the controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party described the allegations as serious and urged President Bola Tinubu to constitute an independent panel to investigate the matter. The NDC argued that Gbajabiamila’s continued stay in office could compromise the credibility of any investigation.
The party questioned how an agency the Presidency has publicly denied ever existed allegedly operated within government circles, opened multiple bank accounts, and reportedly secured approval for more than 300 staff positions. It said the development raises concerns about transparency, accountability and governance under the current administration.
The NDC also referenced allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to head the PFIPC, including claims that public appointments were sold and that demands were made for a share of the agency’s proposed take-off funds. It stressed that the allegations should be thoroughly investigated rather than dismissed through official statements.
The opposition party further called for investigations into the death of Babatunde Tanimola, said to be an intermediary in the controversy, as well as the alleged assassination attempts on Adeyemi. It urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Nigeria Police Force to conduct comprehensive investigations while providing witness protection where necessary.
However, the Presidency has dismissed Adeyemi’s claims, insisting that the PFIPC does not exist. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said investigations showed Adeyemi allegedly forged appointment letters, operated a fictitious government agency and opened multiple bank accounts in the names of non-existent government bodies. Adeyemi, on his part, maintains that his appointment and the agency are genuine.
