Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, against allegations linking him to the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike described the allegations as “rubbish” and “madness.” He argued that those behind the claims wanted to embarrass the Federal Government and discredit senior officials.
Wike rejects allegations against Gbajabiamila
Wike said he had confidence in Gbajabiamila’s integrity and rejected suggestions that the Chief of Staff could have facilitated funds for an agency the Presidency insists does not exist.
“Without prejudice, I know the Chief of Staff very well. He did not do it.”
The minister added:
“If you want to embarrass any government, these are the targets, the Chief of Staff and the Secretary to Government. Does it make sense that an agency that does not exist, he will tell him to give him so, so amount of money? It’s madness.”
He also questioned the conduct of Prince Matthew Adeniyi, who made the allegations against the Chief of Staff.
“If the young man knows that it’s correct, why is he running away? How can you come out to make such a statement and then run away?”
Minister backs ongoing investigation
Wike urged Nigerians to allow the investigation ordered by President Tinubu to proceed without political interference. He criticised opposition calls for politicians to join the independent probe panel, describing such demands as unnecessary.
According to the minister, anyone making serious allegations should cooperate with investigators and provide evidence rather than avoid questioning. He maintained that the proper institutions should determine the facts.
Wike highlights FCT revenue growth
Beyond the political controversy, Wike said the Federal Capital Territory Administration had recorded significant financial improvements following its exit from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
He said monthly Internally Generated Revenue increased from about ₦9 billion in 2023 to roughly ₦40 billion in 2026.
“When we came on board, our IGR was a mere N9 billion a month. As I speak to you today, our IGR is about N40 billion. These are the benefits of exiting the TSA.”
The minister said the additional revenue had helped fund road construction, water projects, school rehabilitation and the completion of previously abandoned infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory.
What happens next?
Attention now shifts to the investigation into the PFIPC controversy ordered by President Tinubu. The outcome of the probe is expected to determine whether further legal or administrative action will follow, while political debate over the allegations is likely to continue.
