Adeniyi Adeyemi has denied claims linking him to senior government officials amid the controversy surrounding the alleged operation of an unauthorised federal agency, insisting that he has never met the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, in person.
Adeyemi made the clarification while responding to allegations surrounding the Peace and Fitness for Prosperity Initiative Commission (PFIPC) , an organisation whose status has come under scrutiny following concerns raised by the Presidency.
His remarks come shortly after the Presidency announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the PFIPC within 30 days.
Speaking on the controversy, Adeyemi rejected suggestions that he had any personal relationship with Gbajabiamila or that he leveraged such a connection in relation to the activities of the organisation.
“I have never met the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, in person,” he said, maintaining that reports suggesting otherwise were false.
He stressed that he had not used the name or office of the presidential aide to gain legitimacy or influence and urged the public to disregard claims linking him to the Presidency without evidence.
The controversy follows a statement by the Presidency alleging that Adeyemi presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC, prompting concerns over the agency’s legal status and operations.
In response, President Tinubu directed the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the organisation and submit its findings within 30 days.
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The investigation is expected to determine whether the PFIPC was lawfully established, whether any false representations were made, and whether any offences involving impersonation, fraud or abuse of public office were committed.
Adeyemi said he was prepared to cooperate with investigators and welcomed what he described as a fair and transparent inquiry into the matter.
He expressed confidence that the investigation would establish the facts and clear any misconceptions surrounding his role and the organisation.
He also appealed to the public to refrain from drawing conclusions before the completion of the investigation, stressing that due process should be allowed to take its course.
As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had not publicly commented on the scope or timeline of its investigation beyond the directive announced by the Presidency.
Legal observers say the outcome of the probe will be crucial in determining the authenticity of the PFIPC, the legality of its operations and whether any criminal or administrative actions are warranted.
The investigation is also expected to provide clarity on the circumstances that led to the controversy and reinforce the government’s efforts to curb impersonation and protect the integrity of public institutions.
