That is the uncomfortable truth of the “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” saga. Adeyemi has been charged with eight counts of fraud and forgery. But the bigger scandal is not one man’s alleged audacity. It is how a non-existent agency got close to N1.3bn in the 2026 budget, secured office space in the heart of government, hosted top government functionaries from Nigeria and abroad, and allegedly operated multiple accounts.

This is not a story about Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila versus Prince Adeyemi. This is a story about systemic failure. And until the system is properly fixed, it is quite probable that the next Adeyemi is somewhere forging another letterhead.

There are several systemic breaches in the saga that public finance analysts and other commentators have already pointed out, but they nonetheless require restating. There is a failure of due diligence in budgeting. The 2026 Appropriation Act contained N1.3bn for the “Presidential Economic Advisory Council/PFIPC”.
The problem, however, is that PFIPC has no legal backing and was never established by the Federal Government.

Top sources in the National Assembly claim the allocation entered “through a backdoor arrangement” without budget defence. For whatever his statement is worth, Adeyemi, in his interview with social media influencer, VeryDarkMan, from his hideout, said he was detained for 23 days while the budget was being prepared. “I did not prepare or defend any budget, and nobody went to defend it on my behalf,” he said. That means the appropriation to the fake agency bypassed the committees that should have asked probing questions such as: “Which agency is this?” What is its mandate? Who are its staff members?

Since the rebirth of democracy over 27 years ago, Nigeria’s budget process has been criticised for “insertions” and “undue inflation”. PFIPC is now the clearest example of why that matters. A ghost agency should not be able to get real money. If the Budget Office, House of Representatives, and Senate all missed this, our first line of fiscal defence needs a long, hard look.

There is also the issue of appointment and office verification. Adeyemi allegedly used a forged appointment letter bearing Gbajabiamila’s purported signature and counterfeit presidential letterhead to present himself as DG. Gbajabiamila’s lawyers insist he has “never had any contact whatsoever with Adeyemi”. Yet somehow, that letter was “accepted at the civil service headquarters without adequate verification”. It secured him an office in the Federal Secretariat for over a year. Up until this month, a sign for PFIPC was still up, directing visitors to the “council’s purported office” inside the Ministry of Health wing.

Just think about that. The administrative hub of the Federal Civil Service could not detect a fake appointment. If letterheads and signatures of top government functionaries are that easy to forge and accept, then no MDA is safe. Tomorrow, it could be a fake NCC or NDDC director. And next week, possibly a fake university VC.

The third system failure is about banking and due diligence. Adeyemi allegedly opened an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria for the non-existent agency. Adeyemi himself asked the most damning question in a viral video: “The same acclaimed non-existent agency has a domiciliary account, a pounds sterling account and a Treasury Single Account, all domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria. Is it even possible to open an account with fictitious documents in a commercial bank in Nigeria today, let alone at the CBN?”

He also allegedly operated 34 bank accounts linked to fictitious agencies. Banks and government revenue platforms are required by law to conduct a KYC (know your customer) check. How did 34 accounts get opened? Who approved the TSA linkage? The EFCC has recovered items and made arrests, but the institutions that enabled the financial plumbing have not been named.

But how does the Chief of Staff come into all of this? Where does he fit into, for the life of me? Adeyemi alleged that Gbajabiamila demanded 48% of a N27.4bn take-off grant and collected N400m through proxies.
Gbajabiamila says he has never met Adeyemi in his life and no proxy has acted on his behalf. His lawyers call the allegations “false and gravely defamatory” and have slammed a N10bn suit on Adeyemi. Adeyemi himself admitted in the VDM interview that he never met Gbajabiamila.

Truth is, Gbajabiamila’s office does not issue appointments. Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga had pointed out that much in a statement. The matter of appointment is the prerogative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which is the clearing house for all appointments made by the President. Even then, the CoS’s letterhead and signature were also found to have been forged.

It was the Office of the CoS that first “blew the whistle” about the fake agency after the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council flagged it. Gbajabiamila caused a disclaimer to be placed on Adeyemi following which he was arrested by the police and arraigned in court.

It is instructive that President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission to investigate the entire scandal. That is a commendable step. The President also did not leave the duration of the investigation open-ended; he ordered that the probe be concluded within a month. It was also gathered that KPMG may be brought in if there are larger accounting issues to untangle.
Also, whereas the House of Representatives has elected to launch its own investigations into the matter, the Senate has suspended its own probe, rightfully backing the President’s action.

My point is that the investigation and the legal process must run their course. The CoS should not be guillotined, literally. There should be a presumption of innocence until he is proven guilty.
But the more important point is this: even if every allegation against the CoS is false, as it appears to be, the fact that his name and signature could be forged, and used to access government property still suggests some vulnerability in the administrative controls.

All of that has made a reform of the system imperative.
Arresting Adeyemi so he can answer for his serious misdeeds is necessary. However, that would not be sufficient. Stopping there would be akin to treating malaria with paracetamol.

In my view, at least four immediate reforms are required at this point. One is the budget integrity law. No allocation should appear in the Appropriation Act without being scrutinised by the relevant committee and published with a sponsoring MDA, a legal instrument, and a staff list. A “ghost agency” clause should trigger an automatic audit by the Auditor-General.

Secondly, there is a need for appointment verification portal. Every federal appointment letter must be logged on a public, verifiable portal managed by the SGF. MDAs should not accept physical letters without a portal code. That way, forgery becomes instantly detectable.

Thirdly, the Federal Secretariat must have more access control. A forensic audit of all offices, signage, and allocations in the secretariat is desirable. Any office space given in the last three years without SGF/HoS approval should be revoked and investigated.

The fourth, and perhaps more importantly, is the need for financial institution accountability. The CBN and commercial banks must explain how accounts were allegedly opened for PFIPC and 34 other “agencies.” The Bank Verification Number and CAC database should be crosschecked before any government-linked account is activated.

In the final analysis, Prince Adeyemi allegedly gamed the system. But systems are gamed because they are weak. The PFIPC scandal is a stress test, and the system failed at three points: budget, appointment, and banking.

*Rahman is Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media & Special Duties.

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Senator Akume made the declaration in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, during the North Central Zonal Congress of the APC, where party leaders and delegates gathered to deliberate on the future of the party in the region.

Motion for the President’s adoption as the sole presidential candidate of APC, was moved by Akume and seconded by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, with a thunderous affirmation from all the delegates.

All the governors from the North Central zone as well as most former governors and their deputies, serving National and state Assembly members, Ministers and a host of other former and current political office holders graced the epoch-making event.

Addressing the Congress, Akume said the endorsement was a reflection of the confidence reposed in Tinubu’s leadership and the administration’s ongoing efforts to reposition the country.

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga, in a statement on Wednesday said the Sen. Akume bears a responsibility to ensure unity and strategic alignment among party stakeholders in the region.

Akume during his speech emphasised that the zone remains committed to the ideals of the APC and will continue to support policies and programmes aimed at economic recovery, infrastructure development and national cohesion.

Akume further called on party members across the zone to close ranks and work collectively to consolidate the party’s achievements ahead of the next general elections.

He stressed that early consensus on Tinubu’s candidacy would provide the APC with a strategic advantage and allow the party to focus on governance and delivery.

He also assured that the zone would give the president the highest votes among the six geopolitical zones in the country at the presidential poll.

His words: “The North Central has done so much for this country to preserve the country’s unity. Nigerians are proud of you. And we must be proud of ourselves. Our governors and ministers are performing exceptionally.

“I’m always honoured about our governors whenever I meet them. With the politicians I’ve seen here, North Central will provide the highest number of votes amongst the six geopolitical zones”.

The endorsement was met with applause and affirmation from delegates, many of whom described it as a necessary step towards maintaining stability within the party and ensuring continuity in leadership.

The post Akume leads North Central delagates to affirm Tinubu as APC’s sole candidate appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

This development was made by Abraham Double-D Dajoh in a Facebook post shared on Friday. In the statement, the family expressed joy in welcoming the new bride into the Dajoh family and described the union as a source of happiness for the entire household.

“We, the entire Dajoh family, happily join our daddy, uncle and brother, His Excellency, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume Jugu Dajoh, in welcoming his new and uncommon wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh into the Dajoh family,” the statement read.

The family also thanked supporters of Senator Akume for their continued goodwill and encouraged them to sustain their support, even as he begins this new chapter of his life. They concluded the message by wishing Nigerians a happy Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year.

In the post, the family formally welcomed Queen Zaynab to Benue State, described as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” to Mbakor, regarded as the seat of leadership of the Tiv nation, and to the Dajoh family home. Several photographs accompanying the announcement show members of the family posing with the new bride.

Queen Zaynab was previously known as Queen Zaynab Otiti Obanor and was married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in a traditional ceremony held on March 12, 2016, in Benin City, Edo State, followed by a thanksgiving service and reception at the Royal Court of Ife in Osun State.

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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, made this known while delivering a keynote address at the 2025 Annual Dinner and Awards Night of the Council held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

SGF described CORFEPS as an invaluable national asset whose collective experience remains central to enhancing policy formulation, continuity in governance, and effective public sector reforms.

He stated that the theme of the event, “Harnessing the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries as a Wealth of Institutional Memory for Nation Building,” is timely, as Nigeria continues to contend with the consequences of policy inconsistencies and implementation gaps.

According to him, “Nothing can replace experience. Members of CORFEPS are living repositories of institutional memory. The nation stands to benefit immensely from your insights, and the present administration remains open and committed to leveraging your expertise.”

The SGF highlighted recent efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to integrate the wisdom of elder statesmen into governance, including the appointment of some CORFEPS members to key national positions across various agencies and commissions. He pledged that his office would continue to work closely with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to advance key proposals of the council.

Delivering opening remarks earlier, the Chairman of CORFEPS, Yayale Ahmed, CFR, emphasised that CORFEPS remains committed to continued patriotic service and nation-building. He described the Council as a sanctuary of wisdom and a custodian of administrative heritage, noting that retirement does not end service to the nation.

Guests at the Occasion were members of the Federal Executive Council, Heads of Public Service Parastatals and Agencies, Captains of Industry, Retired and Serving Permanent Secretaries, Directors and some Development Partners, among others.

This year, 2025, the CORFEPS Executive has also taken a decision to use the occasion of the Dinner to institute a CORFEPS Honours Award, recognising mostly the Fathers and Founders of that Body who were also the Titans of support to the growth of the Federal Public Service as we know it today. These include past and living legends such as Allison A. Ayida, Izoma Philip Asiodu, Francesca Emanuel, Alh. I. M. Damcida, Asiwaju Tunji Olutola, Alhaja Latifat Okunnu, among others.

Guests at the occasion were welcomed in the presence of contemporary Public Service Icons as, M. Yayale Ahmed CFR, who will be the Host. He is an Eminent Bureaucrat, Former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former Minister of Defence.

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Director, Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement said SGF gave assertion when he received an award by the African Business Ventures and Investment Group (ABVIG) in recognition of his exemplary role in providing private sector partnership with Government in the implementation of climate change initiative and infrastructure development in Africa.

Daily Dates Nigeria reports that the SGF acknowledged that the award is in recognition of the immense commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, towards promoting sustainable development, climate resilience, and green investment in Africa.

Sen. Akume, represented by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs and Bilateral Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Okokon Okon Etoabasi said that the Federal Government has provided an enabling policy and institutional environment for climate action to thrive through the Ministry of Environment, the National Council on Climate Change, and other relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in driving initiatives that promote adaptation, mitigation, green growth, and sustainable infrastructure development.

He commended ABVIG for providing platform for dialogue and partnership through the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Summit, which complements government’s effort in mobilizing private sector participation, technological innovation, and investment in sustainable development.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of African Business Ventures and Investment Group, Hon. Moses Owharo thanked the SGF for his active participation and technical support toward the successful hosting of the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change & Investment Summit 2025(AICIS) held in Abuja, which underscores the importance of government engagement in providing an enabling ground for the implementation of climate change.

He sought for collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and other relevant stakeholders in combating climate change. He also thanked NDMPRA, NUPRC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Petroleum Resources and other private organisations for their support in ensuring the success of AICIS 2025.

Part of the highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (PEAO) Engr. Nadungu Gagare, the representative of the SGF, Okon Etoabasi and some staff of the OSGF who contributed toward the success of the AICIS 2025 event.

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Mbaeri was the former Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office (GSO), the engine room office of the OSGF.

The change of guard comes at a poignant moment, as national conversations around the pivotal role of Permanent Secretaries in sustaining governance were recently reignited by Finance Minister Wale Edun, who referred to them as “the backbone of government.”

During his tenure as Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Mbaeri was responsible for supervising activities within the SGF’s office, a role that placed him at the heart of federal administration. One of the highlights of his service was the privilege of presenting appointment letters to newly appointed Ministers and heads of federal agencies, symbolizing his central role in the nation’s governance process.

In a heartfelt ceremony held in Abuja, Mbaeri expressed gratitude to those who entrusted him with responsibility, particularly the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, CON, and former SGF, Boss Mustapha. Reflecting on his five-year journey in the SGF’s office, he praised the camaraderie shared with fellow Permanent Secretaries and urged continued unity in advancing the civil service’s mandate.

His successor, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, who now oversees both the Special Services and General Services Offices, described Dr. Mbaeri as “a mentor per excellence,” promising to build on the solid foundations laid by his predecessor.

The ceremony also doubled as a celebration of Mbaeri’s 60th birthday and retirement. Tributes flowed from dignitaries, including Sen. Akume and other senior officials, who described him as a dependable, strategic, and transformational figure in public administration.

The post SGF Office: Mbaeri Bows Out Gracefully,Hands Over to Danjuma appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

OSGF in a statement on Sunday state that the information is entirely false, misleading, and lack any basis in fact, as Mr. President has no any intention of doing so.

“The purported removal of the SGF from Office is only but a fabrication and a figment of the imagination of mischief makers who are out there to disinform and misinform the innocent public.

“President Tinubu reposes unwavering confidence on the capacity of the SGF to discharge his statutory obligation of formulating and implementing policies and programmes of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.

“We urge the public, media organisations, and digital platforms to discountenance such rumours and to exercise caution as well as verify the authenticity of information before disseminating it as spreading unverified or intentionally false narratives not only undermines public trust but also poses a threat to the integrity of our institutions.

“Congruously, the previous press statement issued by the SA to Mr. President on Media and Strategy, Chief Bayo Onanuga resonates in no small measure the position of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on this matter. Therefore, Senator Dr. George Akume CON, remains the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The rumours began after the sudden resignation of the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Ganduje’s exit gave indication that the next suitable politician for the position was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Multiple sources also said Tinubu was considering Hadiza Bala Usman, ex-Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), as the next SGF.

The post Breaking: Akume Speaks on Resignation as SGF appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

In a joint statement released in Abuja, the group condemned what it described as “a desperate attempt to destabilize the country under the guise of civil agitation.”

The statement revealed that the primary targets of this calculated campaign, include top government officials such as, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief George Akume, Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

These attacks, the group warned, are not accidental but are part of a broader political strategy to erode public confidence in key institutions and discredit loyal servants of the Federal Republic.

The group urged Nigerians—especially Northern youth and civil society—to resist being used as pawns in this dangerous game of blackmail and destabilization. They reaffirmed their support for the Tinubu administration and called for calm and vigilance across the nation.

The groups have called for immediate investigations by relevant security and intelligence agencies into the origins and sponsors of the planned protests. They also urges for collective vigilance from traditional, religious, and community leaders in safeguarding national unity.

Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim, Coordinator, Arewa Revival Project who signed the statement however advised the general public to avoid  spreading FAKE NEWS and rely on responsible media to prevent the spread of divisive propaganda.

The post Group Unravels Plot to Blackmail Tinubu’s Govt, Akpabio, SGF, AGN,EFCC Boss appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

A highly placed source at the Commission yesterday, confirmed to our correspondent that the embattled Uchi was invited by the operatives of the Commission on Monday, upon a petition received by the anti-graft agency over Alleged properties he acquired in Abuja, Jos, Makurdi, Gboko and Wannune in Tarka, local government Area of Benue State amounting to over N6 billion.

According to the source, further investigations so far, has revealed that between December 2023 to date the anti-graft agency has been able to trace a whooping N1.6 billion that was allegedly used in buying purch cars through four new generations banks to nine car dealers in Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, Jos and Makurdi respectively.

The source further added that two Bureau de change operatives are currently been investigated by the Commission, over their alleged involvement in the scam, owing that most of the funds credited to embattled Torhile Andrew Uchi, emanated from their coys.

He said that the Commission is currently working towards getting a court nod to widen the scope of their investigations to the properties in Abuja, Jos and other part of the country to ascertain the source of the income and how the properties were allegedly purchased.

As of the time of filing in this report Mr. Uchi, is still in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, telling the dreaded operatives of the Commission how he allegedly got the funds which is largely believed to be proceeds from bribes.

Efforts to reach the spokesman of the Commission, Mr Dele Oyewale, proved abortive as his phone lines was said to be switched off.

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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, made the disclosure when the Management of the Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria also known as Tarayyar Ekklesiyoyin Kristi A Nigeria (TEKAN) led by its President, Rev. Joel Stephen Billi in Abuja.

According to the Director, Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen: “SGF stressed the ongoing efforts of the present administration to reinvigorate the security architecture of the Armed Forces to ensure peace and security in the country.

“There is no way a Government can function effectively, maximally and efficiently without peace. That is why we put emphasis on peace. Since when we took over, you know President Buhari has done a lot too, but there were areas left untouched. So it was the responsibility of the new Tinubu-led administration to move in headlong by increasing firepower of the armed forces to ensure that peace is restored”.

He also highlighted the relative improvement in the security of the country since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assumption of office, stating that some Local Governments that were hitherto under the occupation of Boko Haram insurgents have been reclaimed by the Armed Forces.

Sen. Akume commended the efforts of the Church in supplementing Government’s efforts in the area of education and health as well as promoting peaceful co-existence in the country. He assures them of Government’s commitment to partner with them in promoting development and peaceful co-existence.

Speaking earlier, the President of TEKAN, Rev. Joel Stephen Billi expressed his immense gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Bill establishing the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) into Law. And the palliatives he has distributed to Nigerians to cushion the effect of the removal of the fuel subsidy. He also commended the efforts of the Federal Government in improving the welfare of Nigerians and urged the administration to do more in the area of security and palliative measures to mitigate hardship in the land.

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