Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent panel to investigate the controversy surrounding the council and related allegations.
In an open letter addressed to the President, Adeyemi argued that only a neutral, multi-stakeholder investigative panel could guarantee transparency and public confidence in the probe.
He proposed that the panel should include representatives of civil society organisations, independent media, international financial observers, human rights groups such as Amnesty International, as well as diplomatic observers from the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, ECOWAS and the African Union. He also suggested that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should serve as technical partners.
Although President Tinubu had already directed the ICPC to investigate the controversy, Adeyemi maintained that the commission’s position within the government could undermine public confidence in its findings.
He said he was ready to submit documents and evidence immediately an independent panel was constituted, insisting that institutions connected to the allegations should not be solely responsible for investigating the matter.
Adeyemi commended the President for ordering an investigation into the alleged ₦1.3 billion allocation linked to the PFIPC in the 2026 Appropriation Bill but maintained that broader independent oversight was necessary to ensure credibility.
He also claimed that his safety would be at risk if he surrendered to security agencies under the current arrangement, alleging that he had received intelligence suggesting there were plans to eliminate him.
The claimant further questioned the reported death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as a key intermediary in the matter, alleging that the demolition of Kachi Hotel in Abuja shortly after the incident may have destroyed potential evidence.
The controversy erupted after the Presidency declared that the PFIPC does not exist. However, Adeyemi insists he was validly appointed to head the council.
He has also accused the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials of attempting to frustrate his activities after he allegedly refused to comply with certain demands.
At a previous press briefing, Adeyemi argued that the council’s inclusion in the 2026 budget demonstrated its legitimacy. He further alleged that Gbajabiamila received ₦400 million through a proxy and later demanded an additional ₦200 million to facilitate his appointment—claims that have not been substantiated.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have charged Adeyemi with forging several government documents, including a presidential appointment letter. He has denied the allegations and maintained that the courts should determine the authenticity of his appointment.
About The Author
