*Lauds Gbajabiamila as a trusted gatekeeper
The Arewa Youth Integrity Forum (AYIF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his transparent and decisive approach to the ongoing Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) saga involving Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the group described the President’s directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as a clear demonstration of commitment to accountability and good governance.
The Forum praised the swift action, which it said would unravel the truth behind the alleged fictitious agency and restore public confidence in the Presidency.
Furthermore, the AYIF lauded Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila for what they described as his steadfast service and role as a trusted gatekeeper in the Presidency.
According to the group, President Tinubu’s intervention has set a high standard for handling sensitive matters that threaten the integrity of government institutions.
The statement said the directive for a comprehensive probe within 30 days underscores a no-nonsense attitude towards forgery, impersonation, and any form of corruption, regardless of the individuals involved.
The Arewa Youth Integrity Forum noted that this move reflects Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which prioritises transparency and the protection of national institutions from exploitation.
Comrade Musa Abdul, in the statement signed on behalf of the Forum, said, “We, the Arewa Youth Integrity Forum, stand firmly with President Bola Tinubu for his bold and transparent handling of the PFIPC matter.
“By ordering the ICPC to investigate this saga thoroughly, Mr. President has shown that no one is above the law and that his administration is committed to rooting out any elements that seek to tarnish the image of the government.”
He added, “This is leadership by example. In a time when many expect cover-ups, President Tinubu has chosen the path of openness, allowing independent investigation to take its course.
“We are confident that the outcome will vindicate the truth and strengthen the foundations of our democracy. The Arewa people are proud of this decisive action that puts Nigeria first.”
The PFIPC saga erupted after Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew presented himself as the Director-General of the council, claiming presidential backing and making serious allegations against high-ranking officials, including Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The Presidency has consistently maintained that the PFIPC is not a legitimate government body and that any related documents were forged.
President Tinubu’s order to the ICPC includes probing the origins of the fake agency, forged appointment letters, bank accounts, and any possible collaborators within or outside government circles.
The Arewa Youth Integrity Forum views the President’s response as timely and necessary to prevent further damage to the administration’s reputation.
The group also urged all patriotic Nigerians, especially youth from the Northern region, to support the government’s efforts in ensuring due process is followed without interference.
Comrade Musa Abdul further stated, “The PFIPC issue has tested the resilience of this administration, but President Tinubu has risen to the occasion with integrity and transparency.
“We commend the ICPC for the task ahead and trust that their findings will expose the truth, whether it involves impersonators or any enablers within the system.
“As youths from the Arewa region, we reject any attempt to politicise this matter or use it to undermine the good works of the Tinubu administration.
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to rally behind the President as he steers the country towards progress and accountability.”
Meanwhile, the group dismissed allegations leveled against Gbajabiamila as baseless and motivated by mischief, expressing full confidence in his integrity and dedication to national service.
The Forum called for support for Gbajabiamila to continue his duties without distraction.
Comrade Musa Abdul remarked, “We particularly laud Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila as a trusted gatekeeper whose loyalty to President Tinubu and the nation remains unquestionable.
“He has served with distinction, and we reject any smear campaign aimed at distracting him from his critical responsibilities.”
He concluded, “Gbajabiamila embodies the values of honesty and hard work that the Arewa Youth Integrity Forum stands for.
“Under his watch as Chief of Staff, the Presidency has made significant strides, and we are confident that this saga will only reinforce his position as a pillar of this administration.”
The Forum also addressed broader implications of the saga for governance in Nigeria.
It urged relevant authorities to strengthen internal controls and verification processes across ministries and agencies to prevent future occurrences of similar impersonations.