PFIPC Scam: Police, DSS, ICPC Cleared Me of Creating Fake Agency

Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said investigations by security and anti-corruption agencies cleared him of allegations that he was involved in creating a fake government agency.

Gbajabiamila was speaking against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Investment and Projects Committee, PFIPC, which generated public attention and allegations of wrongdoing.

According to the Chief of Staff, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission investigated the matter and found no evidence linking him to the alleged creation of a fake agency.

He said the agencies conducted their investigations independently and that the findings cleared him of the allegations.

Gbajabiamila said the controversy was fuelled by reports and claims that circulated publicly before the facts surrounding the matter had been fully established.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu was also briefed on the issue and that the administration allowed the appropriate authorities to investigate the allegations rather than acting solely on public pressure.

The Chief of Staff said the investigations were necessary because of the seriousness of allegations involving government institutions and public officials.

He maintained that he had no involvement in establishing or operating any unauthorised government agency and rejected suggestions that he benefited from the activities attributed to the purported body.

The controversy emerged after questions were raised about the status and activities of the PFIPC and whether it was an officially recognised government institution.

Gbajabiamila said the matter demonstrated the importance of allowing law enforcement and investigative agencies to establish facts before conclusions are reached.

He also criticised the tendency to reach quick judgments based on information circulating on social media and other public platforms.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said he welcomed the investigations because they provided an opportunity for the allegations to be examined by relevant authorities.

He stressed that public officials should be held accountable when credible evidence exists, but said accusations should not be treated as established facts before investigations are completed.

Gbajabiamila said the outcome of the investigations had vindicated his position that he was not responsible for creating the alleged fake agency.

The controversy has generated wider discussion about the procedures for establishing government agencies, committees and other official bodies, as well as the need for greater transparency in government communications.

Gbajabiamila maintained that he remains focused on his responsibilities as Chief of Staff to the President and would continue to support the administration’s work.