Fake agency: People wanted Tinubu to make quick judgment – Gbajabiamila
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has commended President Bola Tinubu for resisting pressure to reach a conclusion before the investigation into the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) was completed.
Gbajabiamila appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in July 2026 as part of the probe. The commission subsequently reported that it found no evidence connecting him or his office to the purported organisation or the appointment of its alleged director-general.
He said on Saturday at the 2026 Gbaja Mega Empowerment programme in Lagos that the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and ICPC cleared him of the allegations linked to his office.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said the experience had tested him personally, while expressing gratitude to those who stood by him.
“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, he 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.”
Gbajabiamila urged young Nigerians aspiring to public office not to be discouraged by the challenges that could accompany 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 insisted that the allegations would not distract him from 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.
Gbajabiamila also warned individuals allegedly using his name to deceive members of the public, 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.
His remarks came as he presided over an empowerment initiative valued at approximately ₦1.15bn, targeting about 5,000 beneficiaries in Surulere.
The programme featured cash grants, vehicles, business equipment and other forms of assistance intended to support small businesses, improve livelihoods and create economic opportunities for residents.
Gbajabiamila said the event, originally scheduled for June, was postponed to allow organisers to verify submissions from wards, trade associations and community-based groups.
According to the former lawmaker, 3,905 beneficiaries received ₦250,000 each, while another 348 people were given ₦500,000 apiece.
The distribution also covered 61 electric vehicles, 50 electric tricycles, 60 minibuses and 100 laptops.
Other items provided included four Toyota HiAce 18-seater buses, two security patrol vehicles, a medical ambulance and two additional vehicles.
He said the inclusion of electric cars, tricycles and bikes was part of efforts to promote cleaner transportation and expand business opportunities through e-hailing services.
Gbajabiamila said the expansion of electric and compressed natural gas-powered vehicles could help lower transport costs, improve air quality and generate employment.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat said the All Progressives Congress (APC) remained committed to connecting with Nigerians and addressing their needs at the grassroots.
Hamzat attributed the party’s growing strength to the efforts of its elected representatives to maintain close relationships with residents and their communities.
He said sustained engagement with citizens was central to the APC’s identity and extended beyond election campaigns.
“That is why our party is the party of the people,” he said.
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