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…Calls for independent probe into agency’s operations
By Sunday Ani
Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew has accused the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of making contradictory statements regarding the existence of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and the PFIPC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), calling for an independent investigation into the activities of the two agencies.
Addressing a press conference yesterday, Adeniyi said he was compelled to speak following what he described as attempts to misrepresent him and suppress questions surrounding the agency. He urged him to
disclose what he knows about the two agencies.
He noted that Gbajabiamila’s June 11 disclaimer distancing the Presidency and the Office of the Chief of Staff from the two bodies raised more questions than answers.
He argued that if the PFIPC did not exist, as stated in the disclaimer, the government should explain how references to the agencies allegedly appeared on pages 50 and 51 of the 2026 Appropriation Act.
“The issue is no longer about personalities. It is about contradictions that demand answers,” he said.
He contended that the federal budget passes through several stages of executive and legislative scrutiny before presidential assent, adding that the presence of non-existent agencies in official budget documents, if established, raises concerns about the integrity of the budget preparation process.
He also questioned what he described as the alleged establishment of bank accounts for the agencies at the Central Bank of Nigeria and the reported approval of personnel and office accommodation, arguing that these issues required official clarifications.
He further alleged that the dispute between himself and the Chief of Staff stemmed from their interactions regarding the agencies’ proposed take-off grant. He also alleged that money had been paid by proxy in connection with the matter.
He alleged that there had been attempts to portray his diplomatic engagements as unlawful and claimed that he had survived assassination attempts. He also called for an investigation into the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as an intermediary between himself and the Chief of Staff.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine the issues raised.
According to him, the panel should investigate the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death, review alleged assassination attempts against him, examine official documents connected with the disputed agencies, review budgetary references and institutional records, question relevant public officials and publish its findings transparently.
Adeniyi also urged that Gbajabiamila should step aside while any investigation is ongoing, alleging that he had used his office to intimidate individuals and media organisations.
He appealed to civil society organisations, the media, religious and traditional institutions to support what he described as a transparent investigation, insisting that he was prepared to cooperate with any lawful inquiry.
“If I am wrong, let an independent process prove it. If Gbajabiamila is right, let it confirm it,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor Gbajabiamila had publicly responded to the fresh allegations made during the press conference. However, several of the claims raised by Adeniyi remain unverified.
