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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

I borrowed N400m paid for PFIPC appointment - ‘Fake’ Agency DG

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-proclaimed Director-General of the disowned Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, claims he borrowed N400 million to secure his appointment.
  • Adeyemi stated that the lenders have reported him to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a refund, and he feels unfairly targeted by government "actors."
  • He denied plans to flee Nigeria, asserting he remains in the country despite reports of his social media accounts being taken down and linked to escape rumors.

Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the now-discredited Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), has stated that the N400 million he paid for his appointment was borrowed money. He revealed that the individuals from whom he borrowed the funds have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to demand their money back.

I borrowed this money. In fact, those that I borrowed this money from have reported to the EFCC. I borrowed this money to pay for this appointment. They have written to the EFCC, asking me to refund their money.

— Adeniyi AdeyemiExplaining the source of the N400 million paid for his appointment.

Speaking on Channels Television, Adeyemi described the government's handling of the situation as "very, very unfortunate." He accused unnamed "actors in the government" of attempting to embarrass him, questioning the narrative that he manipulated the system. Adeyemi also addressed reports about a U.S. lobbying firm assisting him in seeking asylum, stating he learned of this through media and that he largely ignores such claims, which he believes are sponsored to discredit him.

So, I’m not even here to pay the money back. I borrowed this money.

— Adeniyi AdeyemiStating his current financial predicament regarding the borrowed funds.

Adeyemi vehemently denied any intention of fleeing Nigeria. He explained that his social media accounts were taken down and subsequently misrepresented as evidence of his plans to escape. "I'm still in Nigeria. I'm not going anywhere," he asserted, emphasizing his presence in the country.

Imagine the government claiming I manoeuvre the whole system. It’s unfortunate.

— Adeniyi AdeyemiExpressing his view on the government's portrayal of his actions.

The scandal first surfaced after the Presidency, through the Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, issued a disclaimer stating that the PFIPC does not exist under the current administration and identifying Adeyemi as an impostor. Further details from the Presidency indicated that police investigations found Adeyemi had forged a presidential appointment letter, operated a fictitious agency, and maintained numerous bank accounts, some in the names of non-existent government bodies.

I read it the way you read it. Some people call me that they are looking for me.

— Adeniyi AdeyemiResponding to reports about seeking asylum.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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