The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the alleged inclusion of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council in the Federal Government’s budget framework has cleared the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of any involvement in the activities of the organisation.
The committee said its preliminary investigation found no evidence that Gbajabiamila authorised, approved, established or participated in the activities of the purported council.
Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, disclosed this on Wednesday while presenting the panel’s preliminary findings at a press briefing televised by TVC.
According to the committee, its investigation showed that Gbajabiamila instead alerted relevant security and investigative agencies after concerns about the organisation were brought to his attention.
The panel said the concerns were initially raised by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission over suspected fraudulent activities and the alleged misuse of institutional materials.
It said the Chief of Staff responded within a day by contacting the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The committee added that Gbajabiamila also directed administrative verification through relevant government institutions.
According to the lawmakers, the Chief of Staff subsequently sent further communications seeking investigation and appropriate action when additional concerns emerged, including those relating to a proposed world investment summit.
“The documentary evidence presently before the Committee does not establish that the Chief of Staff authorised, approved, established or participated in the activities of the purported organisation.
“On the contrary, the evidence demonstrates repeated steps to secure investigation, institutional verification and appropriate administrative action,” the committee said.
The committee consequently commended Gbajabiamila, on a preliminary basis, for the security and administrative measures he took whenever the matter was brought to his attention.
The lawmakers also said their investigation established that a letter purportedly appointing Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi as Director-General of the organisation was forged and falsely attributed to the Presidency.
The document, which purportedly bore Gbajabiamila’s authority and signature, was not issued or approved by the Presidency, the committee said.
The panel added that records from the State House showed that Gbajabiamila neither issued nor signed the purported appointment letter.
