…Demands Probe Into Alleged PFIPC Scandal, Says Nigerians Deserve Answers
The Publisher of NaijaonpointOnline, Mr. Ogidi Ben Bara, popularly known as OBB, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately relieve his Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, of his duties over the controversies surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Ogidi said the growing number of controversies involving highly placed officials and individuals associated with the Federal Government was damaging the image of the Tinubu administration and weakening public confidence in its commitment to transparency and accountability.
According to the Naijaonpointpublisher, President Tinubu may not be personally aware of everything happening within his administration, but the President must act decisively whenever serious allegations capable of damaging the integrity of his government emerge.
“The President may not be aware of everything happening around him, but leadership demands that those entrusted with sensitive responsibilities must be held accountable whenever serious questions arise,” Ogidi said.
He described the controversy involving the alleged PFIPC, Mr. Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi and the reported connection to the Office of the Chief of Staff as a matter that requires an urgent, transparent and independent investigation.
Ogidi stressed that the controversy has the potential to damage Nigeria’s international reputation, particularly at a time when the Federal Government is working hard to attract foreign direct investment and convince the international business community that Nigeria is open, safe and ready for serious investment.
“How can Nigeria confidently invite foreign investors when controversies of this magnitude are hanging over individuals close to the highest level of government? How can the President and his economic team convince the international community to invest in Nigeria if serious allegations involving highly placed officials are not thoroughly investigated and publicly clarified?” he asked.
The media publisher said the issue goes beyond politics, personal relationships or party loyalty, insisting that Nigeria’s national image and the credibility of the Presidency must come first.
He raised a number of questions which, according to him, Nigerians deserve clear answers to.
“Who approved the reported engagement of more than 300 staff members for the alleged agency? Who facilitated or inserted the reported allocation of over ₦1 billion into the national budget for an agency now being described as questionable?
“How did Mr. Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi allegedly obtain the authority to operate numerous bank accounts in the name of the organisation? What roles, if any, did relevant government institutions and officials play in the entire process?
“These are serious questions. Nigerians deserve clear and convincing answers, not silence. If the organisation was fake, then the public deserves to know how it allegedly gained access to government structures and processes. If it was legitimate, then the government should explain its legal status, mandate, approvals and operations.”
Ogidi maintained that the allegations must be subjected to a comprehensive investigation by the appropriate authorities, stressing that anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law, regardless of political status or proximity to power.
He further called on President Tinubu to demonstrate that no individual is bigger than Nigeria and that his administration would not shield anyone whose actions could undermine the integrity of the Presidency.
“Mr. President, you must protect your government from bad eggs. You must protect the image of your administration and, above all, the reputation of Nigeria. Loyalty to individuals must never be placed above loyalty to the country,” Ogidi declared.
He added that the continued retention of any senior official facing grave and unresolved public questions could create the impression that the government is unwilling to confront allegations involving people close to the Presidency.
“For the sake of public confidence and the integrity of your administration, I call on President Tinubu to immediately sack his Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, and allow a transparent and independent investigation into all allegations connected with this controversy.
“This is not about political witch-hunting. It is about accountability, transparency and the urgent need to restore confidence in the government. Nigeria cannot continue to demand sacrifices from ordinary citizens while serious allegations involving powerful individuals are left unanswered.”
Ogidi said President Tinubu still has an opportunity to demonstrate decisive leadership by ensuring that every allegation is properly investigated and that no public official is treated as being above scrutiny.
“The President must act now. Silence will only deepen suspicion, while decisive action will send a strong message to Nigerians and the international community that this government is prepared to defend the integrity of the Nigerian state.
“Nigeria is bigger than any individual, office or political interest. Mr. President, save your government from bad eggs and give Nigerians the answers they deserve,” Ogidi concluded.