ICPC clears Gbajabiamila, says Adeniyi’s appointment letter was forged

Nigeria's Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has cleared Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, of any wrongdoing. The investigation centered on a controversy surrounding a purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) and a forged appointment letter presented by Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew.

ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, announced the findings in Abuja, stating that the commission's interim report confirmed Mathew's appointment letter was entirely forged. He also revealed that the so-called PFIPC, or Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, was never legally created by any government instrument. "The appointment letter presented by Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew was completely forged, alongside similar documents used to perpetrate the illegal activities of the fake agency," Aliyu stated.

“

The appointment letter presented by Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew was completely forged, alongside similar documents used to perpetrate the illegal activities of the fake agency.

The investigation uncovered that the fake council had illegally used the identity and offices of the former Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC). Mathew allegedly engaged in false representation and impersonation while acting as the organization's Director-General. The ICPC noted weaknesses in verification processes and oversight that were exploited, though it found the internal systems of the State House and the Central Bank of Nigeria to be "above board." No evidence of public funds being disbursed to the fake council was found, effectively exonerating Gbajabiamila's office, which had faced public scrutiny.

“

I have just submitted the interim report and briefed Mr President accordingly. The President took the right decision in the spirit of transparency and accountability and directed me to address the media for the benefit of Nigerians.