The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has vowed to remain focused on his duties despite what he described as attempts to blackmail and distract him following allegations surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Gbajabiamila, who spoke in Lagos on Saturday, said investigations conducted by relevant government agencies had cleared him of any wrongdoing.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives spoke at the 2026 Gbaja Mega Empowerment programme in Surulere, where about 5,000 constituents benefited from cash grants, vehicles and other forms of support.
Reflecting on the controversy surrounding the PFIPC, Gbajabiamila said the allegations subjected him to an unexpected period of scrutiny.
“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.
He, however, said the investigations had established that he was not involved in 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 controversy followed investigations into the activities of the purported PFIPC, which had been linked to allegations involving Gbajabiamila’s office.
The Chief of Staff appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in July 2026 as part of the investigation.
Gbajabiamila said the experience had shown the sacrifices that could come with seeking public office, particularly for young Nigerians aspiring to political leadership.
“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 thanked President Tinubu for allowing due process to take its course rather than acting on the allegations before the conclusion of investigations.
“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 maintained that the controversy would not affect his commitment to the administration.
“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.
He also warned individuals allegedly using his name to defraud members of the public.
“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 the initiative was worth about N1.15 billion and targeted approximately 5,000 beneficiaries in Surulere.
He said 3,905 beneficiaries received N250,000 each, while 348 others received N500,000 each.
The programme also featured the distribution of 61 electric vehicles, 50 electric tricycles, 60 minibuses and 100 laptops.
Other items included four Toyota HiAce 18-seater buses, two security patrol vehicles, a medical ambulance and two additional vehicles.
Gbajabiamila said the programme was postponed from June to enable organisers to properly verify submissions from wards, community-based 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.”
He said the initiative also supported the Gajarai transportation service, which provides free transportation for students and discounted services for elderly residents.
Gbajabiamila said the emphasis on electric vehicles was deliberate, noting that the initiative was intended to support 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 install electric vehicle charging stations as part of efforts to make electric transportation more accessible.
“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.
