NDC Calls for Gbajabiamila's Sack Over Alleged Fake Agency Scandal

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the immediate removal of President Bola Tinubu's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to a corruption scandal involving an alleged non-existent government agency and the sale of public appointments.

In a statement issued Friday, the opposition party said it was "alarmed by the damning allegations of corruption" involving Gbajabiamila and Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The NDC alleged that the agency was used to "siphon public funds" with the Chief of Staff's "active collusion and facilitation."

The party said the allegations raise "fundamental questions about the level of transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the Tinubu administration."

It questioned how an agency the Presidency reportedly says does not exist could allegedly receive budget allocations and open domiciliary, treasury single account and foreign currency accounts.

The NDC also cited claims that 314 staff positions were approved for the agency and alleged that Gbajabiamila demanded 48% of the agency's take-off grant.

It further referred to allegations that Adeyemi paid ₦400 million through proxies as part of a ₦600 million deal to secure his appointment.

The party also mentioned the death of Babatunde Tanimola, described as an intermediary in the matter, and claims by Adeyemi that there have been attempts on his life.

The NDC demanded "the immediate removal" of Gbajabiamila to allow "a full, unbiased investigation."

It also called for an independent investigative panel, witness protection for Adeyemi, forensic examination of official documents, and investigations by the EFCC, ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force.

"The NDC stands firmly with the people of Nigeria in demanding accountability," the statement said, adding that "anyone found culpable in this sordid affair, no matter how highly placed, must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law."