PFIPC probe: Political leaders differ on Gbajabiamila’s role

Divergent opinions have emerged among political leaders and civil society groups regarding the involvement of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, in the investigation of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

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Members of the Nigerian public remain dissatisfied and unconvinced that a fair and transparent probe can take place under the current circumstances.

While some stakeholders urge President Tinubu to direct Gbajabiamila to step aside during the House of Representatives' investigation, others advocate for due process, emphasizing that conclusions should not be rushed. The House Ad Hoc Committee is currently probing how the PFIPC, described by the Presidency as non-existent, was allegedly registered, gained access to government institutions, and secured a budget allocation for 2026.

Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House, became entangled in the controversy after the PFIPC's self-proclaimed Director-General, Adeyemi Adeniyi, alleged that he paid N400 million through a proxy to secure his appointment. The Presidency has since denounced Adeniyi as a fraudster and reiterated that the PFIPC was never officially established by the Federal Government.

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CUPP’s position, and that of many public commentators, remains that the only way to unravel the truth about what happened is for President Tinubu to relieve his Chief of Staff of his position.

Despite Gbajabiamila's consistent denials of any wrongdoing, several political figures and civil society organizations argue that his temporary removal from office is necessary to facilitate an independent and credible investigation. The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has publicly called for Gbajabiamila to step aside, citing low public confidence in the government's handling of the matter and the need for an unbiased probe.

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It is necessary to pave the way for a thorough, unbiased, and independent investigation into the allegations. It is the right thing to do under the circumstances in order to give legitimacy and credibility to the outcome of the investigation.