Timi Frank Demands Openness Over Controversial PFIPC Agency

Timi Frank, who previously served as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for enhanced clarity and accountability concerning the activities of the contentious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). He specifically urged relevant government institutions to offer Nigerians a comprehensive explanation about the matter. Frank's appeal comes amid an intensifying dispute surrounding the alleged government entity and conflicting statements from the Presidency and Adeniyi Adeyemi, who has presented himself as the council's Director-General.

The controversy escalated following a statement released by the Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. This statement aimed to address public concerns about the PFIPC and refuted claims that linked the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the issue. According to the Presidency, Adeyemi is not the head of any government agency but rather an impostor currently facing criminal prosecution for alleged forgery and impersonation.

The presidential statement further detailed that police investigations revealed Adeyemi allegedly fabricated a presidential appointment letter, purportedly signed by Gbajabiamila. He is also accused of operating a fictitious government agency and maintaining 34 bank accounts, with nine reportedly opened in the names of non-existent government institutions.

It was also disclosed that Adeyemi was apprehended by the Nigeria Police on October 27, 2025, following a petition by Gbajabiamila, which alleged an elaborate scheme involving forgery and impersonation. Subsequently, the police arraigned Adeyemi and two purported accomplices before the Federal High Court in Abuja on an eight-count charge, encompassing conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on July 27, 2026. The Presidency also noted that concerns regarding the alleged PFIPC's operations had been independently raised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission before the police investigation commenced.

Despite the official position, Adeyemi, during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, maintained that his appointment was genuine. He insisted he possesses a valid letter of appointment and denied any involvement in forgery or fraudulent activities.

Reacting in a statement on Friday, Frank asserted that the contradictory claims make it imperative for the government to provide Nigerians with greater clarity. He cautioned that the ongoing controversy raises serious questions about transparency and accountability within public administration. Frank reiterated, “There is a need for relevant institutions to provide clarity on issues relating to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and ensure accountability in the public interest.”

He further stated, “By now, we expected the Office of the Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Central Bank, the Budget Office, the National Assembly and the relevant security agencies to be addressing Nigerians on the matter and answering questions.” He implored Nigerians and civil society organizations not to lose interest in the issue, emphasizing the importance of holding public institutions accountable. Frank declared, “Nigerians must rise up and condemn this open and brazen impunity perpetuated by the very custodians of the collective heritage and trust of the Nigerian people.”

Frank also highlighted the necessity for stronger legislative oversight and institutional accountability, arguing that the unfolding controversy underscores the importance of robust mechanisms to protect public trust and prevent abuses within government bodies. Beyond the PFIPC controversy, Frank also called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Dolapo Tanimola, an individual associated with Adeyemi. He emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry into Tanimola’s demise, noting that the deceased had been publicly identified as an intermediary linked to Adeyemi.

The PFIPC dispute has garnered significant public attention due to allegations that the organization operated while presenting itself as a federal government agency. The Presidency has consistently maintained that no such agency exists within the Federal Government’s structure and has urged the public to rely on the ongoing judicial process to resolve the criminal allegations against the defendants. With both the Presidency and Adeyemi holding opposing viewpoints, the case before the Federal High Court is anticipated to bring legal clarity on the authenticity of the alleged appointment and the broader questions surrounding the purported council's activities.