Media Adviser to former Vice President and Africa Democratic Congress, ADC Presidential Candidate for 2027 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to ensure the credibility of the ongoing investigation into the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal.
Ibe said asking officials allegedly linked to the controversy to step aside pending the outcome of the probe would demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
President Tinubu had on Tuesday directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the purported PFIPC, which the Presidency described as a fictitious body that was never created by the Federal Government.
The President also directed the anti-graft agency to conclude its investigation and submit a report within 30 days.
Reacting in a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday, Ibe faulted the President’s directive, arguing that it would be difficult for Nigerians to have confidence in the investigation if those allegedly connected to the matter remained in office.
He described the directive as “flagrantly wrong,” insisting that key officials allegedly linked to the controversy should first be suspended before the commencement of the investigation.
“It is flagrantly wrong for President Tinubu to order an investigation into the PFIPC scandal without asking the key suspects, including his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to go on suspension pending the conclusion of the investigation,” Ibe wrote.
He added: “Not suspending all those involved in the #The GbajaGate scandal is akin to them being a judge in their own case. Their continued stay in office while the investigation is going on gives them the opportunity to interfere with the investigation process.”
According to him, allowing those allegedly named in the controversy to continue occupying public office while investigations are ongoing could undermine public confidence in the process and create the impression that the probe may not be independent.
He maintained that suspending the affected officials would not amount to a declaration of guilt but would rather help preserve the integrity and credibility of the investigation.
The controversy surrounding the PFIPC escalated after the Presidency disowned the council, declaring that it was neither established by law nor approved by President Tinubu or any agency of the Federal Government.
The Presidency further directed the ICPC to investigate the alleged use of forged appointment letters and other official government documents by Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the non-existent council and claimed to be a presidential appointee.
The order followed public outcry over the activities of the alleged council and claims that fake government documents and appointments were used in its operations.
The Presidency has maintained that anyone found culpable after the investigation would face the full weight of the law, stressing that the administration would not tolerate impersonation, forgery or any act capable of undermining the integrity of government institutions.
The PFIPC controversy has continued to generate reactions from political stakeholders, with opposition figures calling for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of the matter as investigations commence.
