The Senate has dismissed claims that it approved or inserted the ₦1.3 billion allocation for the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) in the 2026 budget, insisting that the budget provision did not originate from the National Assembly.
Speaking with journalists after Tuesday’s plenary session, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said lawmakers neither created the budget line nor have the constitutional responsibility to conduct security background checks on individuals appointed to head ministries, departments, and agencies.
Adaramodu explained that the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged agency falls entirely within the executive arm of government and should be resolved there. He added that since the matter is already before a court, the National Assembly would not interfere in the legal process.
According to him, the dispute is between Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is accused of presenting himself as the Director-General of the alleged agency, and the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, headed by Femi Gbajabiamila.
The senator noted that the National Assembly would only become directly involved if the position in question required Senate confirmation. He added that the legislature could examine the issue if it receives a formal petition from any interested party regarding the existence or legitimacy of the agency.
The controversy intensified after Adeyemi was declared wanted over allegations that he forged official appointment documents and falsely claimed to head both the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and the Presidential Executive Advisory Council (PEAC), agencies the Presidency maintains do not exist.
Adeyemi, however, has denied the allegations, insisting that the agency was established in 2024 and claiming the accusations were politically motivated. He also alleged that his life is under threat.
The case is already before the Federal High Court, where Adeyemi and two others are facing an eight-count charge. The matter is scheduled to continue on July 27.
Meanwhile, Femi Gbajabiamila has issued Adeyemi a 72-hour ultimatum to withdraw allegations accusing him of corruption, fraud, abuse of office, and murder, warning that failure to do so would result in a ₦10 billion defamation lawsuit and possible criminal action.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who called for an independent investigation to determine whether Adeyemi acted alone or had support from government officials. A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has similarly demanded a forensic investigation into the matter.
