The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has declared that the State House clarification fully exonerates the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, from the controversy surrounding the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). The AYCF described the Presidency's official statement as a decisive intervention that clears Gbajabiamila of unfounded and malicious allegations.
AYCF Commends Gbajabiamila's Whistleblowing Role
Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, National President of the AYCF, commended Gbajabiamila for his proactive role as a whistle-blower in exposing the forgery scam. In a statement issued on Friday, July 3, 2025, and made available to Legit.ng, Aliyu described the presidential statement as comprehensive, factual, and illuminating. The document outlined how Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly orchestrated an elaborate scam by forging official documents to create the fake PFIPC.
Northern Youths Urge Politicians to Avoid Politicizing Case
The Arewa Youth urged politicians to refrain from politicising the matter, describing such attempts as sub judice and capable of undermining the ongoing legal proceedings against Matthew and his accomplices. The group stated: "We stand firmly with the Chief of Staff and the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. Any attempt to drag innocent leaders into the mud through the antics of con artists will be resisted." The Forum added that it will continue to monitor developments and support efforts towards building a better Nigeria anchored on transparency, accountability, and selfless service.
Presidency Dismisses Bribery Allegations
Recall that the Presidency dismissed bribery allegations levelled against Gbajabiamila by a man who claimed to head a presidential council. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said police established that Adeniyi Adeyemi's agency was fictitious and that he forged his appointment letter. Onanuga revealed that Adeyemi operated 34 bank accounts, including nine opened in the names of fake government agencies.
Former Minister Criticizes Presidency's Response
Meanwhile, former Minister Solomon Dalung criticised the Presidency's response defending Gbajabiamila over the alleged fake presidential agency scandal. Dalung questioned how a fictitious agency allegedly entered the national budget, operated from the Federal Secretariat, and obtained a CBN account undetected. He called on the Presidency to release documentary evidence, timelines, and official records explaining institutional failures in the matter.
