Nigeria Chief of Staff Corruption Scandal

A major corruption scandal has erupted in Nigeria, centering on Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. The Nigeria — African Democratic Congress (NDC) has demanded his immediate removal and an independent investigation into allegations linking him to a purported fake government agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). Adeyemi Adeniran, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, alleges that the agency, despite being disowned by the Presidency, received budgetary allocations, opened multiple accounts with the Nigeria — Central Bank of Nigeria, and had 314 staff positions approved by the Nigeria — Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Adeyemi Adeniran further claims to have paid N600 million for his appointment, with N400 million allegedly going through intermediaries linked to Femi Gbajabiamila, and that Femi Gbajabiamila demanded 48% of the agency's N27.4 billion take-off grant. The scandal is further complicated by the mysterious death of Babatunde Tanimola, an alleged intermediary, and Adeyemi Adeniran's claims of multiple assassination attempts. The NDC has called for a comprehensive probe by anti-corruption agencies and the questioning of officials from the Nigeria — Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria — Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and Nigeria — Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The Presidency, through Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, has dismissed Adeyemi Adeniran's claims, stating he forged documents and is facing criminal charges.