PFIPC Allegations Against Gbajabiamila Are Politically Motivated, Lack Credibility — Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has dismissed allegations linking President Bola Tinubu's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the claims as politically motivated and lacking credibility.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the accusations made by self-acclaimed PFIPC Director-General Adeniyi Adeyemi were implausible and aimed at embarrassing the Tinubu administration.
The controversy began after Adeyemi claimed to have headed the non-existent agency and alleged that Gbajabiamila was involved in its activities.
The Presidency has denied the claims, insisting that no such government agency exists.
Wike praised President Tinubu for directing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter, saying the government had taken the appropriate step.
Responding to calls by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and opposition parties for an independent investigation, Wike argued there was no reason to doubt the credibility of the ongoing probe.
"I know the Chief of Staff very, very well. Without prejudice, I know him very well," Wike said, adding that chiefs of staff are often targeted because of their proximity to the President.
He argued that it was illogical to suggest Gbajabiamila could create a budget or authorize funds for an agency that did not exist.
"Does it make sense that an agency that does not exist, he will ask somebody to give it such an amount of money? It is madness. The Chief of Staff cannot create a budget."
Wike also questioned why the accuser allegedly fled after making the allegations, insisting that anyone with credible evidence should present it to security agencies instead of evading investigation.
Drawing from his own experience, the minister recounted facing what he described as false allegations involving his son, saying investigators verified travel records that disproved the claims.
He added that although some people advised him to quietly settle the matter to avoid negative publicity, he rejected the suggestion.
According to Wike, opposition politicians were quick to exploit the allegations for political gain, pointing to statements issued shortly after the claims surfaced.
While acknowledging he had no knowledge of any issues relating to the budget office, Wike maintained that the allegations against Gbajabiamila remained unsubstantiated.
He challenged the accuser to submit phone records, communications, and any other evidence to investigators rather than avoiding questioning.
Wike also rejected calls for Gbajabiamila's removal, insisting that no public official should be dismissed based on allegations that have not been proven.
"People are saying the Chief of Staff must be sacked. By who? The opposition? Why should he be sacked over unproven allegations? That is not how government works."
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the accusations made by self-acclaimed PFIPC Director-General Adeniyi Adeyemi were implausible and aimed at embarrassing the Tinubu administration.
The controversy began after Adeyemi claimed to have headed the non-existent agency and alleged that Gbajabiamila was involved in its activities.
The Presidency has denied the claims, insisting that no such government agency exists.
Wike praised President Tinubu for directing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter, saying the government had taken the appropriate step.
Responding to calls by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and opposition parties for an independent investigation, Wike argued there was no reason to doubt the credibility of the ongoing probe.
"I know the Chief of Staff very, very well. Without prejudice, I know him very well," Wike said, adding that chiefs of staff are often targeted because of their proximity to the President.
He argued that it was illogical to suggest Gbajabiamila could create a budget or authorize funds for an agency that did not exist.
"Does it make sense that an agency that does not exist, he will ask somebody to give it such an amount of money? It is madness. The Chief of Staff cannot create a budget."
Wike also questioned why the accuser allegedly fled after making the allegations, insisting that anyone with credible evidence should present it to security agencies instead of evading investigation.
Drawing from his own experience, the minister recounted facing what he described as false allegations involving his son, saying investigators verified travel records that disproved the claims.
He added that although some people advised him to quietly settle the matter to avoid negative publicity, he rejected the suggestion.
According to Wike, opposition politicians were quick to exploit the allegations for political gain, pointing to statements issued shortly after the claims surfaced.
While acknowledging he had no knowledge of any issues relating to the budget office, Wike maintained that the allegations against Gbajabiamila remained unsubstantiated.
He challenged the accuser to submit phone records, communications, and any other evidence to investigators rather than avoiding questioning.
Wike also rejected calls for Gbajabiamila's removal, insisting that no public official should be dismissed based on allegations that have not been proven.
"People are saying the Chief of Staff must be sacked. By who? The opposition? Why should he be sacked over unproven allegations? That is not how government works."
