Police, DSS, ICPC Cleared Me of Fake Agency Allegations, Says Gbajabiamila

Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said investigations cleared him of involvement in the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Gbajabiamila spoke on Saturday at his 2026 mega empowerment programme in Lagos. He also said the investigations helped establish his position on the allegations.

The House of Representatives committee investigating the purported agency had earlier found no evidence linking Gbajabiamila to its creation or operations. The committee said he instead alerted security agencies after concerns emerged about the organisation.

Speaking about the controversy, Gbajabiamila said the allegations subjected him to an unexpected period of scrutiny.

“The past few months have tested me in ways I never expected. Stories were written, strange accusations were made, lies were told, and my integrity was questioned,” he said.

He added that the police, Department of State Services (DSS) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) eventually cleared him.

“At the end of all the investigations, the Nigerian Police, the DSS, the ICPC cleared me of any wrongdoing, and the investigative reports are in the public domain,” Gbajabiamila said.

The House panel also said its preliminary findings found no evidence that he authorised, approved, established or participated in the activities of the purported organisation.

Gbajabiamila also praised President Tinubu for allowing the investigations to run their course instead of acting on the allegations prematurely.

“I must thank my principal, President Bola Tinubu. Many people wanted him to rush to judgment and give a verdict before the investigation. He refused and insisted on due process,” he said.

The Chief of Staff said the experience should not discourage young Nigerians interested in public service or political leadership.

“For those who seek high office, especially our young ones, sometimes this is the high price you have to pay and sacrifice you have to make. Do not be discouraged,” he said.

He also vowed to remain focused despite the allegations and attempts to link his office to the purported agency.

“No amount of money, no amount of blackmail or lies, whether sponsored from within or outside, will detract me from my work and the work Mr. President has given me to do,” he said.

The controversy centred on the purported PFIPC, which appeared in the 2026 Federal Government budget despite questions about its legal status.

A House ad hoc committee later found that documents presented as an executive order and an Act of the National Assembly establishing the organisation were not genuine. It also found that a purported appointment letter bearing Gbajabiamila’s name had been fabricated.

Gbajabiamila appeared before the ICPC in July as part of the investigation. The commission subsequently found no evidence linking him or his office to the purported organisation, according to reports on its investigation.

He warned individuals who might attempt to exploit his name for fraudulent activities.

“And to anyone using my name to defraud people or misrepresent me, know that the law will always catch up with you,” he said.

Mega empowerment

The Chief of Staff spoke during an empowerment programme for residents of Surulere, Lagos, where he distributed vehicles, cash and other items to beneficiaries.

The programme, valued at about N1.15 billion, targeted roughly 5,000 beneficiaries in the constituency.

Gbajabiamila said the initiative provided direct assistance to residents through cash grants, vehicles, equipment and other forms of support.

He explained that organisers postponed the programme, initially scheduled for June, to allow them to verify submissions from wards, community groups and trade associations.

“In June, earlier this year, we shifted this event. It was not an easy decision, but I wanted to ensure everything sent in by wards and trade associations were properly checked,” he said.

“I did not want anyone to collect what was meant for another person.”

According to him, 3,905 beneficiaries received N250,000 each, while another 348 people received N500,000 each.

The package also included 61 electric vehicles, 50 electric tricycles, 60 minibuses and 100 laptops.

Other items comprised four Toyota HiAce 18-seater buses, two security patrol vehicles, one medical ambulance and two additional vehicles.

Gbajabiamila said the programme involved N1.15 billion in cash support and 279 vehicles powered by electric and conventional energy sources.

He also highlighted the continued operation of the Gajarai transport service, which he said provides free rides for students and discounted services for elderly residents.

He said the programme’s focus on electric vehicles also formed part of efforts to promote cleaner transportation.

“This was deliberate. Step by step, this administration is keeping to the commitment to renewable and clean energy,” he said.

The Chief of Staff further announced plans to install electric vehicle charging stations, saying the initiative would create more opportunities for residents.

He said the broader strategy would help reduce transportation and operating costs while making electric vehicles more accessible.

“Today, some Nigerian automobile companies are producing and assembling electric and CNG-powered vehicles globally. That means more jobs for our people, cheaper transport and better air quality,” he said.

Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, who attended the event, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) remained focused on connecting with citizens and addressing their needs.

Hamzat said the party’s relationship with citizens should extend beyond election periods.

“It’s not about that. It’s about relating with our citizens,” he said.

He added that the APC understood its responsibility to the people and would continue to deliver through its programmes.