The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations linking President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the claims as a deliberate political campaign to undermine the Presidency.
Addressing journalists during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the accusations were baseless and commended President Tinubu for directing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter.
He argued that the investigation should be allowed to proceed without interference, criticizing calls by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures for Gbajabiamila’s dismissal before the probe is completed.
“The demand by Atiku is not new. What did he do when he was Vice President? I know the Chief of Staff very well. Without prejudice, I know him very well,” Wike said.
The minister stated that the Chief of Staff’s office is often targeted by critics seeking to embarrass an administration, insisting that the allegations were intended to erode public confidence in the government.
“If you want to embarrass any government, the first person you target is the Chief of Staff because people believe that once you get to him, the government will be embarrassed,” he stated.
Wike also questioned the allegation that Gbajabiamila approved funds for an agency that had no legal standing, stressing that the Chief of Staff has no authority to establish government agencies or prepare budget allocations.
“Does it make sense that an agency that does not exist, he will ask somebody to give it such an amount of money? It is madness. The Chief of Staff cannot create a budget. It is simply not possible,” he said.
He further challenged the credibility of the individual behind the allegations, arguing that anyone making such serious claims should provide evidence to law enforcement authorities instead of making public accusations and disappearing.
“If the young man knows what he is saying is correct, why run away? You cannot make such serious allegations and then disappear. You need to be interrogated,” he added.
Drawing from his own experience, Wike recounted facing what he described as false accusations aimed at damaging his reputation, including claims that his son received $2 million in connection with a land transaction.
He said subsequent investigations established that his son had already travelled abroad before the alleged payment was made, proving that the allegation was unfounded.
The minister revealed that although some people advised him to quietly resolve the matter to avoid public attention, he rejected the suggestion.
“I asked them, ‘Settle what?’ This is cheap blackmail. I will not allow that,” he said.
Wike also accused opposition politicians of using the PFIPC controversy for political gain, pointing out that calls for the Chief of Staff’s removal surfaced almost immediately after the allegations became public, even before any official investigation had progressed.
“A man accused the Chief of Staff today and by the following morning, the opposition had already issued a statement. What is the business of people like Atiku if it is not politically motivated?” he queried.
Although he said he had no direct knowledge of matters concerning the Budget Office, Wike maintained that the allegations against Gbajabiamila lacked merit and should not be turned into a political tool.
He urged anyone with genuine evidence to cooperate with investigators by presenting relevant documents, communication records and other supporting materials to the ICPC and other security agencies.
“If it is true, go before the security agencies with your phone records, your communications and every proof you have. That is the proper thing to do,” he said.
Wike maintained that calls for the Chief of Staff’s removal before the ICPC concludes its investigation were premature and inconsistent with due process.
“People are saying the Chief of Staff must be sacked. By who? The opposition? Why should he be removed over unproven allegations? That is not how government works,” he added.
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