News
PFIPC Scandal: New details reveal SGF’s Office cleared Adeyemi for Canada Summit
…Presidency can’t escape accountability over Gbajabiamila claims — PDP
…SERAP asks Akpabio, Abbas to explain N1.3bn allocation to ‘fictitious’ PFIPC
Fresh documents emerged on Sunday showing that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, approved the disowned Director-General of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi, to attend the Canada-Africa Fintech Summit, CAFS, in August 2025.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reacting to the development on Sunday, accused the Federal Government of demonstrating a “troubling pattern of institutional failure” following the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
On it’s part, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, also on Sunday, urged the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to disclose certified copies of all documents relating to the consideration and approval of the allocation of over N1.3 billion (N1,302,978,784) to the PFIPC in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
The presidency had alleged that Mr Adeyemi concocted letters and claims, insisting that the council never existed.
It also asked investigators from the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to identify and prosecute those within government institutions who allegedly assisted Adeniyi in carrying out the scheme.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the alleged PFIPC intensified yesterday as a document circulating online showed that the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, had approved a trip for Mr Adeyemi to attend a Fintech summit in Canada.
The latest development has further escalated the dispute involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Adeyemi.
The new document showed that the embattled PFIPC DG was given the nod by the SGF’s office to attend the Fintech summit in Canada from August3-8, 2025.
The document, signed by Engr. Gagare, on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, showed that the embattled PFIPC DG was directed by the OSGF to register and involve other stakeholders in the programme.
The document read: “In accordance with Mr President’s Economic Strategies on the Agenda. I invite you to participate in and join the Nigerian delegation to Canada from August 3rd to 8th, 2025.
“The CAFS Summit highlights strategic roles in Digital Finance and Technology, among stakeholders worldwide.
‘’This initiative will significantly contribute to shaping our economic vision, advancing development priorities, strengthening economic ties, fostering bilateral trade relations, and attracting foreign direct investment, FDI, to benefit the Nigerian economy.
“Given the above, you are urgently requested to register and involve other stakeholders in the programme. Your experience, technical support, and presence will strengthen this delegation.
“For more information and details, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Permanent Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, and the CAFS Organising Group. Accept the warm regards of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.’’
Presidency can’t escape accountability over Gbajabiamila claims —PDP
Reacting to the development on Sunday, , Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, asked President Tinubu to order an independent forensic investigation into allegations surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, insisting the Presidency “cannot escape accountability” over claims involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The opposition party said the controversy left the Presidency facing two equally damaging possibilities.
In a statement signed by the spokesman of its Interim National Working Committee, Mr Ini Ememobong, the PDP said allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Matthew over the PFIPC, and the Presidency’s response through presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, had raised fresh questions about accountability and the integrity of government institutions.
The PDP said Mr Matthew alleged that Gbajabiamila solicited and received financial inducements to facilitate his appointment into the PFIPC before making further financial demands during the course of his engagement.
“The Presidency cannot escape accountability by choosing between corruption and incompetence. If its version is true, it has admitted to an unprecedented collapse of institutional safeguards.
‘’If Prince Matthew’s version is true, it has exposed corruption at the heart of government. Either way, Nigerians deserve answers.
“Whichever version of events proves to be true, the implications are deeply troubling,” Ememobong said.
The party said the Presidency, rather than directly denying the allegations, described Prince Matthew as an impostor who allegedly secured office space, had government staff assigned to him, operated CBN-registered accounts and conducted official business with agencies including the EFCC and other security institutions despite having no lawful authority.
It said the Presidency’s explanation only raised more questions.
“How did an alleged impostor gain unrestricted access to the Presidency? Who authorised the allocation of office space? Who approved the deployment of staff and budgetary resources?
‘’How were official accounts established? Who permitted him to transact with federal institutions and security agencies? These are questions that cannot simply be dismissed through a press statement.
“From the reported appointment of deceased persons into public offices, to controversies surrounding the presidential pardon process, the alleged N800 billion Progressive Governors Forum scandal, and several other avoidable administrative lapses, this administration has repeatedly found itself explaining controversies that ought never to have arisen,” the party stated.
The PDP urged President Tinubu to order an independent forensic investigation into the PFIPC controversy, suspend officials connected to the matter, pending the outcome of the inquiry, review administrative processes within the Presidency and issue an unreserved apology to Nigerians.
“The Nigerian people deserve more than explanations. They deserve transparency, accountability, and institutions that inspire confidence rather than suspicion. Until this administration demonstrates a genuine commitment to holding itself accountable, every unresolved scandal will further erode public trust and strengthen Nigerians’ determination to demand a government that is competent, transparent, and worthy of their confidence in 2027,” Ememobong stated.
SERAP asks Akpabio, Abbas to explain N1.3bn allocation to PFIPC
Meanwhile, SERAP has urged the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to urgently disclose certified copies of all documents relating to the consideration and approval of the allocation of over N1.3 billion (N1,302,978,784) to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC/Presidential Economic Advisory Council in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
SERAP, in a Freedom of Information, FoI, request by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged them to exercise the National Assembly’s constitutional powers under sections 88 and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution to investigate the circumstances surrounding the allocation to ‘a fictitious presidential council’ in the 2026 Appropriation Act and to identify anyone responsible for any irregularities.
SERAP also urged them to “provide certified copies of records identifying the members of the National Assembly committees that considered the allocation and the names and official designations of all public officers or representatives who appeared before those committees to defend the proposed allocation.”
SERAP further urged them to “clarify whether the allocation formed part of the executive’s original Appropriation Bill or was introduced or amended during the appropriations process and whether any lawmaker raised concerns or sought clarification regarding the legal status, establishment or operational mandate of the ‘fictitious body’; and the action taken by the National Assembly in response.”
According to reports, the PFIPC/Presidential Economic Advisory Council was allocated over N1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act. However, the Presidency has publicly stated that the body is fictitious and was never established by the federal government.
SERAP said: “These conflicting accounts raise serious concerns regarding the integrity of Nigeria’s appropriations process, legislative oversight, public financial management and accountability.
“Nobody has a more sacred obligation to obey the law than those who make the law. The National Assembly ought to keep an eye on what the executive is doing and to keep the Presidency and agencies of government in check, including before and during the appropriation process, by thoroughly scrutinising the Executive’s budget proposals before any authorisation.
“Nigerians have a right to know whether public funds were appropriated for an entity that was not lawfully established and, if so, how this occurred.
“Providing the requested information would enable Nigerians to assess whether the National Assembly discharged its constitutional responsibilities under sections 80, 81, 88 and 89 of the Constitution in scrutinising and approving the allocation.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the National Assembly to comply with our request in the public interest.
“Disclosure of the requested information would strengthen public confidence in the credibility of the National Assembly and the integrity of the appropriations process, promote transparency in the management of public resources, and enable citizens to meaningfully scrutinise the exercise of parliamentary oversight.
“The requested records concern matters of exceptional public importance. They relate directly to the integrity of Nigeria’s budgetary and appropriations process, the lawful establishment and funding of public institutions, the expenditure of public funds, and the effectiveness of legislative oversight.
“The National Assembly has a clear obligation to disclose the requested information, particularly where there are credible allegations of governmental impropriety and possible misuse of public resources.
“The disclosure of the requested information and documents would advance these constitutional and statutory objectives by promoting openness, strengthening legislative accountability and enhancing public confidence in the management of public resources.
“According to widely reported allegations, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC/Presidential Economic Advisory Council was allocated over N1.3 billion (N1,302,978,784) in the 2026 Appropriation Act.”
The body of a woman, Blessing Ayebe, has been found in a church toilet in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Ayebe reportedly attended a service at the Presbyterian Church, Ikot Ansa Parish, on June 28 but did not return home.
According to family sources, her lifeless body was discovered in the church toilet around 9 p.m
Her daughter, Peace Minka Ayebe, reported the incident at the Federal Housing Police Station after being informed by her brother, Saviour Ayebe.
The body was later deposited at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed the incident, saying preliminary examination of the body showed no visible signs of violence.
He said no suspect had been identified or arrested as of Sunday, as investigators had yet to establish any evidence of foul play.
“The investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated as they unfold,” Akata said.
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has unveiled the 32nd edition of his annual prophecy publication, Warnings to the Nations, outlining a series of predictions concerning Nigeria’s political future and major global developments.
The 405-page publication was presented during a world press conference held on Saturday at the church’s headquarters in Lagos. According to the cleric, the book contains prophetic messages directed at political leaders, governments, institutions and individuals across different countries.
Among his predictions for Nigeria, Primate Ayodele claimed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration could face mounting international pressure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He alleged that the United States was preparing to deploy documents that could be used against the Nigerian leader and further claimed that officials from the US would hold meetings with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The cleric also made an unverified prediction that the president should be cautious of possible threats to his health, alleging that there could be attempts to secretly poison him.
“The spirit of God says the European Union is not interested in the continuity of Tinubu in Office. The United States of America officials will be meeting with the INEC Chairman.
“Tinubu will be frustrated by the United States of America government. I foresee there are lots of documents they want to use against Tinubu.
“The United States of America agents can poison Tinubu. I foresee that slow poison can be administered on him secretly.”
On the political front, Ayodele forecast major changes within the Federal Government, predicting the emergence of a new Vice President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senate President and a federal minister.
He also claimed there would be attempts to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 elections through underground political arrangements.
According to him, some influential political figures, including a former Nigerian Head of State, would not support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He further predicted growing dissatisfaction in Northern Nigeria and increasing opposition to the ruling party, adding that the president’s chances of securing another term were not guaranteed unless decisive political steps were taken.
Ayodele also suggested that changes could occur within the nation’s security architecture, including possible adjustments involving the service chiefs.
Speaking on the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, the cleric predicted victory for the incumbent governor but warned that vigilance would be required throughout the electoral process to prevent alleged attempts to manipulate the results.
He further alleged that the ruling party would mount pressure on INEC over the conduct of the election.
On security, Ayodele painted a bleak outlook for the country’s fight against banditry. He argued that the solution to the crisis rests with only a few individuals and claimed that military operations alone would not resolve the challenge.
He also predicted that although the Tinubu administration would pursue the establishment of state police, the initiative could ultimately fail to achieve its intended objectives.
Beyond Nigeria, the cleric predicted a turbulent period for the international community.
He warned of worsening climate-related disasters, including floods and hurricanes, as well as increased mining accidents and other humanitarian crises.
He also forecast renewed agitations for independence in an unnamed country.
Ayodele further predicted fatal air crashes involving prominent world leaders, additional mining disasters and heightened security threats across several countries.
According to him, the United States could face attacks, while political tensions in America would become increasingly volatile.
He also claimed that the U.S. could become involved in another military conflict and predicted a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.
He added that although global tensions would intensify, they might not escalate into a full-scale war.
The cleric also warned of the possible emergence of a new virus capable of disrupting global health systems and urged prayers against the assassination of a president, particularly in Africa.
He further called for prayers to avert aviation disasters involving government officials or footballers, as well as fires, kidnappings and shootings in schools.
In the entertainment sector, Ayodele predicted the possible deaths of a young actor, producer, newscaster and comedian, urging prayers to prevent such occurrences. (Sunday Tribune)
The Federal Government has dismissed claims that it spent more than ₦8 trillion outside the 2026 budget, describing the reports as inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the International Monetary Fund’s 2026 Article IV Consultation Report.
The government said the allegations, which referenced comments attributed to the IMF Representative in Nigeria and the Fund’s report, wrongly suggested that about two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product was expended outside the approved budget.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.
The rebuttal comes after IMF disclosed that Nigeria left public spending equivalent to about 2% of GDP unreported in recent official budgets, obscuring the country’s true financing needs and making the fiscal deficit appear smaller than it actually was.
Speaking in Lagos, IMF Resident Representative in Nigeria, Christian Ebeke, said, “So far we think that there are about two per cent of GDP of expenditure that were not reported that should be reported and should be recorded, so that this statistical discrepancy will disappear.”
Reacting, opposition figures, including Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of entrenched corruption and called for probe.
But Oyedele said the Federal Government does not operate a “shadow budget” or spend public funds outside the constitutional and statutory framework.
“The Federal Government has noted recent public commentary alleging that approximately two per cent of GDP amounting to over ₦8 trillion was spent outside the approved budget based on references to the IMF Representative in Nigeria and the Fund’s 2026 Article IV Consultation Report.
“These claims are incorrect and risk misleading the public regarding the government’s financial management,” the statement said.
Oyedele explained that under Sections 80 to 83 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution, public funds could only be withdrawn and spent in accordance with the Constitution and laws enacted by the National Assembly.
He said Federal Government spending was undertaken through duly enacted Appropriation Acts, Supplementary Appropriation Acts and other statutory authorities approved by the National Assembly.
The minister added that multi-year capital projects implemented across different budget cycles and approved capital rollovers were recognised components of public financial management and should not be misconstrued as spending outside the budget.
“It is inaccurate to suggest that trillions of naira have been secretly spent outside legislative approval. Such allegations should have identified the specific projects purportedly executed without appropriation or legal authority and present credible evidence in support of the claim,” he said.
Oyedele also clarified that statutory transfers, debt service obligations, first-line charges and intervention mechanisms established by Acts of the National Assembly formed part of Nigeria’s public finance framework.
He listed statutory allocations to development commissions, revenue collection costs retained by designated agencies, separately approved capital budgets for some agencies and the Federal Capital Territory, security and infrastructure interventions, disaster response programmes, and debt servicing obligations among expenditures authorised by law.
“These expenditures are neither secret nor illegal. They are established by law, disclosed in various fiscal reports, and subject to applicable oversight, audit and accountability mechanisms,” he stated.
The minister further rejected suggestions that the reported amount represented an increase in Nigeria’s fiscal deficit.
“A fiscal deficit is determined by the relationship between total government revenues and total government expenditures. Whether a capital project is financed through annual appropriations, supplementary appropriations, statutory transfers, approved intervention mechanisms, or other lawful financing arrangements does not, by itself, increase the fiscal deficit,” he added.
He said the IMF’s observations focused on improving the comprehensiveness, timing and presentation of fiscal reporting rather than questioning the legality of government expenditure.
According to him, Tinubu had already asked the National Assembly during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill on December 19, 2025, to end the practice of operating multiple and overlapping budgets and instead adopt a single, harmonised budget framework.
Oyedele said the Federal Government remained committed to prudent fiscal management, transparency and accountability, noting that recent reforms had strengthened budget credibility, revenue administration, treasury management and the digitalisation of government financial processes.
“The Federal Government will continue to uphold the rule of law, maintain transparency in the management of public resources, and work with the National Assembly, oversight institutions, development partners and the Nigerian people to further strengthen fiscal governance in line with international best practices,” he added.
He urged members of the public to base debates on accurate facts and a proper understanding of Nigeria’s constitutional and fiscal framework, warning that misrepresenting technical observations as evidence of unlawful expenditure undermined informed public discourse.
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