Fake agency: Gbajabiamila says Nigerians wanted Tinubu to rush to judgment
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has commended the president for resisting pressure to reach a conclusion before investigations into the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) were completed.
Gbajabiamila said many people wanted Tinubu to quickly pass judgment on the allegations, but the president insisted on due process.
He made the remarks on Saturday at the 2026 Gbaja Mega Empowerment Programme in Lagos.
Gbajabiamila had appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in July 2026 as part of the investigation into the purported organisation.
The commission subsequently reported that it found no evidence linking him or his office to the organisation or the appointment of its alleged director-general.
According to Gbajabiamila, the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and ICPC cleared him of the allegations connected to his office.
“The past few months have tested me in ways I never expected. Stories were written, strange accusations were made, lies were told, and my integrity was questioned,” he said.
“At the end of all the investigations, the Nigerian Police, the DSS, the ICPC cleared me of any wrongdoing, and the investigative reports are in the public domain,” he added.
Commending Tinubu, Gbajabiamila said, “I must thank my principal, President Bola Tinubu. Many people wanted him to rush to judgment and give a verdict before the investigation. He refused and insisted on due process.”
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives urged young Nigerians aspiring to public office not to be discouraged by the challenges associated with political leadership.
“For those who seek high office, especially our young ones, sometimes this is the high price you have to pay and sacrifice you have to make. Do not be discouraged,” he said.
Gbajabiamila also insisted that the allegations would not distract him from carrying out his official responsibilities.
“No amount of money, no amount of blackmail or lies, whether sponsored from within or outside, will detract me from my work and the work Mr. President has given me to do,” he said.
He further warned individuals allegedly using his name to defraud members of the public or misrepresent him, saying they would face legal consequences.
“And to anyone using my name to defraud people or misrepresent me, know that the law will always catch up with you,” he said.
The remarks came as Gbajabiamila presided over an empowerment initiative valued at approximately ₦1.15 billion, targeting about 5,000 beneficiaries in Surulere.
The programme featured cash grants, vehicles, business equipment and other forms of assistance aimed at supporting small businesses, improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities for residents.
Gbajabiamila said the programme, originally scheduled for June, was postponed to allow organisers to verify submissions from wards, trade associations and community-based groups.
He said 3,905 beneficiaries received ₦250,000 each, while another 348 people received ₦500,000 each.
The distribution also included 61 electric vehicles, 50 electric tricycles, 60 minibuses and 100 laptops.
Other items provided were four Toyota HiAce 18-seater buses, two security patrol vehicles, a medical ambulance and two additional vehicles.
Gba
