Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said the controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) tested him personally but did not affect his loyalty to the President.
Gbajabiamila spoke on Saturday at the 2026 Gbaja Mega Empowerment Programme in Lagos, where he also commended President Tinubu for allowing the investigation into the purported agency to run its course.
Gbajabiamila appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in July 2026 as part of its investigation into the purported organisation. The ICPC confirmed at the time that he voluntarily honoured its invitation and responded to questions from investigators.
The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the matter subsequently said in its preliminary findings that it found no evidence that Gbajabiamila authorised, approved, established or participated in the activities of the purported organisation.
Speaking about the experience, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives said: “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.”
“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.
Gbajabiamila commended President Tinubu for resisting pressure to reach a conclusion before the investigation was completed.
“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.”
He 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 also said 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 warned individuals allegedly using his name to deceive members of the public that 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 Chief of Staff also reaffirmed his loyalty to Tinubu, recalling their longstanding political relationship.
“In politics, loyalty is the currency we spend the most. I have been with Mr. President for many years and there have been times when his political decisions did not favour my wishes. I did not question his leadership and never betrayed his trust in me. I stayed loyal then and I remain loyal now. My commitment to his Renewed Hope agenda is unshaken,” he said.
The remarks came as Gbajabiamila presided over an empowerment initiative valued at approximately ₦1.15 billion and targeted at about 5,000 beneficiaries in Surulere.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune