Gbajabiamila Empowers 5000 Surulere Residents, Speaks On PFIPC Scandal

The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said investigations by the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) cleared him of wrongdoing over allegations linked to his office.

Gbajabiamila made the disclosure on Saturday at the 2026 Gbaja Mega Empowerment programme in Lagos, where residents of Surulere received electric vehicles for e-hailing, minibuses, tricycles and financial assistance for small businesses.

Reflecting on the allegations and the scrutiny that followed, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives said the experience had tested him personally and professionally.

“The past few months have tested me in ways I never expected. Stories were written, strange accusations were made, lies were told, and my integrity was questioned,” he said.

Gbajabiamila, however, said investigations conducted by the relevant security and anti-corruption agencies eventually cleared him of any wrongdoing.

“At the end of all the investigations, the Nigerian Police, the DSS, the ICPC cleared me of any wrongdoing, and the investigative reports are in the public domain,” Gbajabiamila said.

The Chief of Staff said the episode demonstrated some of the difficulties associated with public service, particularly for individuals aspiring to occupy high political offices.

“For those who seek high office, especially our young ones, sometimes this is the high price you have to pay and sacrifice you have to make. Do not be discouraged,” he said.

He also commended President Tinubu for allowing the investigative process to run its course instead of reaching a conclusion based solely on the allegations.

“I must thank my principal, President Bola Tinubu. Many people wanted him to rush to judgment and give a verdict before the investigation. He refused and insisted on due process,” he said.

Gbajabiamila said the allegations had not distracted him from carrying out his responsibilities as Chief of Staff.

“No amount of money, no amount of blackmail or lies, whether sponsored from within or outside, will detract me from my work and the work Mr. President has given me to do,” he said.

The controversy arose from investigations into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), an organisation the Presidency said was not established by the federal government.

President Tinubu had directed the ICPC in July to investigate how the purported council operated and to examine related allegations. Gbajabiamila subsequently appeared before ICPC investigators on July 20 as part of the probe. The commission said at the time that he was invited to assist investigators and was not arrested.

In September, a House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the PFIPC controversy said in its preliminary report found no evidence that Gbajabiamila established, authorised or participated in the activities of the purported organisation. The committee said evidence before it indicated that he had taken steps to alert security and investigative agencies after concerns about the organisation were brought to his attention.

Gbajabiamila also warned individuals who might attempt to exploit his name for fraudulent purposes.

“And to anyone using my name to defraud people or misrepresent me, know that the law will always catch up with you,” he said.

Speaking on the empowerment programme, Gbajabiamila said about 5,000 residents of his Surulere constituency benefited from the initiative, which was valued at approximately ₦1.15 billion.

He said the programme was designed to provide direct assistance to residents through cash grants, vehicles, equipment and other forms of support intended to strengthen businesses and improve livelihoods.

According to him, the event was originally scheduled for June but was postponed to enable organisers to verify beneficiaries nominated through wards, community associations and trade groups.

“In June, earlier this year, we shifted this event. It was not an easy decision, but I wanted to ensure everything sent in by wards, and trade associations were properly checked,” he said.

“I did not want anyone to collect what was meant for another person.”

Gbajabiamila said the scale of the intervention was responsible for its description as a “Mega Empowerment” programme.

“Let me say again, there are about 5,000 beneficiaries in one day. That is why we call it Mega Empowerment. This is not a token gesture,” he said.

He disclosed that 3,905 beneficiaries received ₦250,000 each, while another 348 beneficiaries were given ₦500,000 each.

The former House Speaker said the empowerment package also included 61 electric vehicles, 50 electric tricycles, 60 minibuses and 100 laptops.

Other items distributed included four Toyota HiAce 18-seater buses, two security patrol vehicles, one medical ambulance and two additional vehicles.

Gbajabiamila put the total number of vehicles powered by electric and conventional energy sources at 279.

He also spoke about the Gajarai transportation service, which he said continues to provide free transportation for students and discounted fares for elderly residents.

According to him, the inclusion of electric vehicles in the empowerment package was part of an effort to promote cleaner transportation while creating economic opportunities for beneficiaries.

“This was deliberate. Step by step, this administration is keeping to the commitment to renewable and clean energy,” he said.

He added that plans were underway to establish electric vehicle charging stations, which he said would further support the adoption of electric vehicles in the community.

Gbajabiamila said the broader objective was to reduce transportation and operating expenses while expanding access to alternative energy-powered vehicles.

“Today, some Nigerian automobile companies are producing and assembling electric and CNG-powered vehicles globally. That means more jobs for our people, cheaper transport and better air quality,” he said.

Earlier, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) had continued to strengthen its relationship with citizens through grassroots engagement and programmes targeted at their needs.

Hamzat said the party’s connection with the people was reflected in the activities of elected officials who, according to him, continued to engage their constituents beyond election periods.

“That is why our party is the party of the people,” he said.

He said political participation should not be limited to campaigns and elections but should also involve sustained interaction between elected representatives and citizens.

“It’s not about that. It’s about relating with our citizens,” Hamzat said.

The deputy governor added that the APC viewed its responsibility as extending to programmes aimed at improving the welfare of citizens.

“So our party understands that our political party was formed just to take care of our people. And that’s what we are doing,” he said.