By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the man at the centre of the controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), has denied allegations of impersonation and wrongdoing, insisting that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, was aware of his appointment.
Speaking during a telephone interview on Politics Today on Thursday, Adeyemi maintained that he had committed no offence and expressed confidence that the courts would ultimately vindicate him.
He dismissed suggestions that he had been evading security agencies, saying he was prepared to submit himself to the judicial process.
“If I am wrong, let the court decide. If I am right, let the court also do justice. The matter is already before a competent court, and I believe I will be vindicated,” he said.
Adeyemi disclosed that he possesses what he described as a valid letter of appointment but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing court proceedings. He also stated that he was receiving medical treatment and was therefore unable to speak extensively on the matter.
Asked whether he considered himself a criminal, Adeyemi replied in the negative, insisting that only the judiciary could determine the facts of the case.
Responding to claims that the Office of the Chief of Staff was aware of his appointment, Adeyemi answered in the affirmative, maintaining that Gbajabiamila’s office had knowledge of the process.
Addressing widespread public skepticism over the existence of the council, he argued that it would have been impossible for him to engage ministries, departments and agencies across the country for nearly three years if the organisation had been entirely fictitious.
“I could not have moved freely across government institutions if there was no legitimacy to what I was doing. Nigeria is not a banana republic,” he stated.
Adeyemi’s comments come amid a firm disclaimer issued by the Presidency distancing itself from both him and the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.
In an earlier statement, the Office of the Chief of Staff, headed by Femi Gbajabiamila, stated that no such council exists under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and warned the public, diplomatic missions and international organisations against recognising or engaging with individuals claiming to represent it.
According to the Presidency, no appointment was approved for Adeyemi in connection with the purported council, describing the organisation as non-existent within the current administration.
The matter is now before a competent court, where Adeyemi’s claims and the Presidency’s position are expected to be examined through the legal process. As the case remains pending, the allegations and counterclaims have yet to be judicially determined.
