APC chieftain,Ayekooto Demands Probe Over PFIPC Controversy

APC chieftain,Ayekooto Demands Probe Over PFIPC Controversy

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ayekooto Akindele, has called for a thorough investigation into the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The call comes after the Presidency denied any connection with the council following allegations made by its self-acclaimed Director General, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew. Adeyemi had accused President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, of demanding a bribe.

In response, the Presidency rejected both the agency and Adeyemi’s claims, maintaining that the council was not a recognized government body.Despite the denial, Adeyemi maintained during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday that his appointment was valid.

He also claimed that the Chief of Staff was aware of his activities and the operations of the council.Reacting through his official X account on Friday, Akindele said he believes Adeyemi could not have acted alone. According to him, there are people both within and outside the government who may have supported the activities linked to the council.

He urged the relevant authorities to investigate several government offices to determine how the alleged fake agency was able to operate. Akindele said attention should be given to the office of the Director General of Budget over the reported allocation of funds to the council in the 2026 budget.

He also called for an investigation into the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and the Nigeria Police Force over claims that they provided services linked to the council.

Akindele further referred to a government official identified as Mimi Abu, whom he described as a director in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. He alleged that the official approved the employment of workers for the council even though it was not recognized as a government agency.

He also questioned the process through which bank accounts were allegedly opened for Adeyemi and called on the relevant institutions to explain the documents used to approve such actions.

According to him, the ongoing controversy raises questions that require a full investigation to establish how the council carried out its activities despite the Presidency’s denial of any involvement.