The Atiku Media Office has called for an independent forensic investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the matter as a test of accountability for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the media office questioned the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the purported agency, following a disclaimer by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who described Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew and the PFIPC as fraudulent.
The Atiku Media Office argued that the presidency’s explanation left several critical questions unanswered, including how an alleged non-existent federal agency was able to operate from the Federal Secretariat without detection and allegedly secure a budget code and a reported allocation of N1.3 billion in the 2026 national budget.
According to the statement, Adeyemi reportedly held meetings with senior government officials, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, diplomats, traditional rulers and prospective investors, suggesting that the organisation operated openly.
The office further claimed there was evidence of official correspondence between the National Assembly and the PFIPC, arguing that such interactions cast doubt on the assertion that the agency was fictitious.
It also called on the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other individuals allegedly linked to the matter to submit themselves to a public investigation, insisting that public officials must be held accountable.
The statement further urged authorities to investigate allegations that Adeyemi claimed to have paid a N400 million bribe to Gbajabiamila, noting that the presidency’s earlier statement did not address the allegation.
The Atiku Media Office also referenced the death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, described as an alleged intermediary in the controversy, and argued that the circumstances further underscored the need for a comprehensive investigation.
It maintained that if the government considers Adeyemi a fraudster, his prosecution should be conducted swiftly and transparently, while all public officials allegedly connected to the matter should also be investigated.
The media office concluded by calling for a judicial resolution of the controversy before the 2027 general elections, saying such action would help restore public confidence and strengthen accountability in governance. #Securitynewsalert.com
