PFIPC scandal : Timi Frank demands transparency
July 3, 2026 12:13 pm
Timi Frank
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has called for greater transparency and accountability over the activities of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, urging relevant government institutions to provide comprehensive explanations to Nigerians.
Frank’s demand comes amid an escalating controversy over the purported government agency and conflicting claims between the Presidency and the man who has presented himself as its Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.
The controversy intensified after the presidency, through a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, sought to clarify public concerns surrounding the PFIPC and dismissed allegations linking the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the matter.
According to the presidency, Adeyemi is not the Director-General of any government agency but an impostor currently facing criminal prosecution over allegations of forgery and impersonation.
The statement said police investigations revealed that Adeyemi allegedly forged a presidential appointment letter purportedly signed by Gbajabiamila, operated a fictitious government agency and maintained 34 bank accounts, including nine allegedly opened in the names of non-existent government institutions.
The presidency further disclosed that Adeyemi was arrested by the Nigeria Police on October 27, 2025, following a petition by Gbajabiamila alleging an elaborate scheme involving forgery and impersonation.
It added that the police subsequently arraigned Adeyemi and two alleged accomplices before the Federal High Court in Abuja on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery and impersonation. The case is scheduled to come up for hearing on July 27, 2026.
According to the presidency, concerns over the activities of the purported PFIPC had also been separately raised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission before the police investigation commenced.
Despite the official position, Adeyemi, during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, insisted that his appointment was genuine. He maintained that he possesses a valid letter of appointment and denied any involvement in forgery or fraudulent activities.
Reacting in a statement on Friday, Frank said the conflicting claims had made it imperative for the government to provide Nigerians with greater clarity, warning that the controversy raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in public administration.
“There is a need for relevant institutions to provide clarity on issues relating to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and ensure accountability in the public interest.
“By now, we expected the Office of the Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Central Bank, the Budget Office, the National Assembly and the relevant security agencies to be addressing Nigerians on the matter and answering questions,” Frank said.
He urged Nigerians and civil society organisations not to lose interest in the matter, insisting that public institutions must be held accountable.
“Nigerians must rise up and condemn this open and brazen impunity perpetuated by the very custodians of the collective heritage and trust of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Frank also stressed the need for stronger legislative oversight and institutional accountability, arguing that the unfolding controversy underscores the importance of robust mechanisms to safeguard public trust and prevent abuse within government institutions.
Beyond the controversy surrounding the PFIPC, Frank called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Dolapo Tanimola, an associate of Adeyemi.
He said there was a need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to Tanimola’s death, noting that the deceased had been identified in public discussions as an intermediary associated with Adeyemi.
The PFIPC controversy has attracted significant public attention following allegations that the organisation operated while presenting itself as a federal government agency.
The presidency has consistently maintained that no such agency exists within the structure of the Federal Government and has urged the public to rely on the ongoing judicial process to determine the criminal allegations against the defendants.
With both the presidency and Adeyemi maintaining opposing positions, the case before the Federal High Court is expected to provide legal clarity on the authenticity of the alleged appointment and the broader questions surrounding the activities of the purported council.
Dirisu Yakubu is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience covering parliament, politics, and development issues. He specializes in reporting that provides context and insight into legislative and governance matters. Dirisu’s work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and impactful journalism.
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