Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, said on Saturday that he has been cleared of wrongdoing following investigations into the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Gbajabiamila spoke at the 2026 Gbaja mega empowerment in Lagos where he gave residents of Surulere e-hailing electric cars, minibuses, tricycles and cash support for small businesses.
“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.
According to him, the allegations were eventually found to be without merit after investigations by relevant authorities.
“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 Chief of Staff said the experience had demonstrated the challenges that could accompany public service, particularly for people seeking high political office.
“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.
Gbajabiamila also expressed appreciation to Tinubu for allowing due process to take its course rather than acting on the allegations before investigations were concluded.
“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.
The Chief of Staff maintained that he remained committed to his responsibilities despite what he described as attempts to distract him.
“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.
Gbajabiamila appeared before the ICPC in July 2026 as part of the investigation. The commission subsequently reported that it found no evidence linking him or his office to the purported organisation or the appointment of its alleged director-general.
Gbajabiamila said he would remain focused on his duties and warned those 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 about the empowerment programme worth about ₦1.15 billion for approximately 5,000 beneficiaries in his Surulere constituency, Gbajabiamila said the programme was designed to provide direct support to residents through cash grants, vehicles, equipment and other forms of assistance aimed at helping beneficiaries grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
He explained that the empowerment event, initially scheduled for June, was postponed to allow 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.”
According to Gbajabiamila, about 5,000 people benefited from the programme, which he described as a “Mega Empowerment” initiative.
“Let me say again, there are about 5,000 beneficiaries in one day. That is why we call it Mega Empowerment. This is not a token gesture,” he said.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said the beneficiaries included 3,905 people receiving ₦250,000 each and another 348 beneficiaries receiving ₦500,000 each.
The package also included 61 electric vehicles, 50 electric tricycles, 60 minibuses and 100 laptops.
Other items provided were four Toyota HiAce 18-seater buses, two security patrol vehicles, one medical ambulance and two additional vehicles.
Gbajabiamila said the programme involved a total of ₦1.15 billion in cash support and 279 vehicles powered by electric and conventional energy sources.
He also highlighted the continued operation of the Gajarai transportation service, which he said provides free transportation for students and discounted services for elderly residents.
The Chief of Staff said particular attention was being given to electric vehicles intended for e-hailing businesses, describing the inclusion of electric cars, tricycles and bikes as a deliberate step towards cleaner transportation.
“This was deliberate. Step by step, this administration is keeping to the commitment to renewable and clean energy,” he said.
Gbajabiamila further announced plans to install electric vehicle charging stations, saying the initiative would create additional opportunities for residents.
He said the broader strategy was aimed at reducing transportation and operating costs while making electric vehicles 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.
