Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who is facing allegations by the Presidency and the Nigeria Police of operating a fictitious federal agency, has alleged that the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, received ₦400 million through proxies in connection with the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Adeyemi claimed that his disagreement with the Chief of Staff began after Gbajabiamila allegedly demanded 48 per cent of a purported take-off grant of ₦27.4 billion for the council.
He further alleged that the Chief of Staff received ₦400 million through intermediaries, with an outstanding balance of ₦200 million allegedly expected to facilitate the appointment.
“The major rationale behind the disagreement between myself and the Chief of Staff is because he allegedly requested 48 per cent of the take-off grant, which I rejected. After he collected a total sum of ₦400 million by proxy with a remaining balance of ₦200 million to secure the said appointment,” Adeyemi alleged.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel, compel the Chief of Staff to produce relevant official documents for forensic examination and direct him to step aside pending the outcome of the investigation.
Adeyemi also maintained that he was prepared to cooperate with any lawful inquiry, insisting that the truth should be established through an impartial investigation.
The Presidency has consistently maintained that the PFIPC is a fictitious agency and previously distanced the Presidency from it.
Gbajabiamila has also denied any connection with the council. As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the Chief of Staff had responded to Adeyemi’s latest allegations, which have not been independently verified.
