The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to the operations of a purportedly fictitious government agency and the alleged sale of public appointments.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the opposition group urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend Gbajabiamila to pave the way for what it described as an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations involving Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The party alleged that the controversy surrounding the agency had raised serious concerns about transparency, accountability and integrity within the current administration.
“The Nigeria Democratic Congress has been alarmed by the damning allegations of corruption involving the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, and one Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council,” the statement read.
According to the NDC, the Presidency has denied the existence of the agency, yet allegations suggest it operated financial accounts and received official recognition.
“The non-existent agency was allegedly used to siphon public funds, with the active collusion and facilitation by the Chief of Staff, Gbajabiamila. This scandal raises fundamental questions about the level of transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the Tinubu administration,” it stated.
The party said allegations that the agency reportedly opened a domiciliary account, a Pound Sterling account and a Treasury Single Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria despite being disowned by the Presidency warranted urgent investigation.
“The NDC finds it deeply troubling that an agency the Presidency claims does not exist could open multiple high-level financial accounts at the apex bank. For an individual to open a domiciliary account, stringent documentation is required. How then was a fictitious agency able to open such accounts without the necessary documentation?” the statement queried.
It also questioned reports that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service allegedly approved 314 staff positions for the agency.
“The NDC wonders how such a significant administrative action could occur without the knowledge of the Presidency and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Is the Tinubu administration so clueless and incompetent that major decisions bypass its principal officers?” it asked.
The party further referenced allegations made by Adeyemi, including claims that he secured the appointment through financial inducement and that disagreements over money allegedly triggered the current controversy.
“These are not mere allegations; they point to a disturbing pattern of institutionalised corruption, including the alleged sale of appointments to the highest bidders, a notorious trademark of the Tinubu administration,” the NDC said.
The opposition group also expressed concern over the death of Babatunde Tanimola, described as an intermediary in the matter, and allegations by Adeyemi that attempts had been made on his life.
“The panel must also investigate the mysterious death of Mr. Babatunde Tanimola and the assassination attempts on Prince Adeyemi, with a view to uncovering the full truth and bringing perpetrators to justice. Similarly, Adeyemi should immediately be given witness protection privileges,” it stated.
The NDC demanded the immediate removal of Gbajabiamila, the establishment of an independent investigative panel, forensic examination of official documents signed by the Chief of Staff since assuming office, and investigations involving officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service.
It also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force to commence what it described as a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
“The NDC will not accept the usual tactic of issuing a mere defensive press release from the Presidency as a deflective ploy. Nigerians deserve to know the truth through a transparent process that promotes fairness and justice. The culture of impunity and the brazen sale of public appointments must end,” the statement added.
The party maintained that anyone found culpable, regardless of status, should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The NDC stands firmly with the people of Nigeria in demanding accountability. Anyone found culpable in this sordid affair, no matter how highly placed, must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” it concluded.
