ICPC questions Gbajabiamila over PFIPC controversy

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday questioned the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, over his alleged role in the establishment of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Gbajabiamila was said to have appeared before investigators at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where he responded to questions as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the creation of the council.

Confirming the development, Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, said the President’s Chief of Staff honoured the ICPC’s invitation and cooperated fully with investigators.

According to Ogunye, “The President’s Chief of Staff honoured the commission’s invitation and answered questions relating to the PFIPC matter.”

The ICPC, however, had not issued an official statement as of press time outlining the scope of the investigation or indicating whether any charges were being contemplated.

The PFIPC has attracted widespread public attention following concerns over its legal status, mode of establishment and operational mandate.

Critics have questioned whether the council was created with the necessary statutory backing, arguing that its responsibilities appear to overlap with those of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), the agency legally empowered to promote and coordinate investments in the country.

Other issues raised include whether due process was followed in establishing the council, the appointment of its officials, its operational framework and possible conflicts with existing investment promotion laws.

The controversy prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability, leading to the ICPC’s ongoing investigation into the council’s emergence.

Further details are expected as the anti-corruption agency continues its probe.