The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has commended the State House for it prompt response to the controversy surrounding the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the official statement as a decisive intervention that completely exonerates the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, from unfounded and malicious allegations.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, the youth group applauded Gbajabiamila for his proactive role as a whistle-blower.
They praised his swift action in alerting security agencies upon discovering suspicious activities, thereby safeguarding the integrity and reputation of the Presidency.
The group described the State House statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, as comprehensive, factual, and illuminating.
The document meticulously outlined how Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly orchestrated an elaborate scam by forging official documents, creating a non-existent government agency, securing unauthorised office space at the Federal Secretariat, and engaging in activities that undermined established government institutions and diplomatic protocols.
According to the State House, Gbajabiamila first raised the alarm on October 17, 2025, through a formal letter to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
This followed complaints from officials of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council about an entity operating at cross-purposes with it.
The Chief of Staff reportedly provided evidence, including forged appointment letters bearing falsified signatures, seals, and reference numbers.
The Arewa Youth commended the Chief of Staff for reporting the matter to security agencies as early as October 2025, describing the move as a demonstration of his commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The group maintained that his timely intervention prevented what could have been a major embarrassment to the government and reinforced public confidence in the Presidency.
The forum highlighted Gbajabiamila’s long-standing reputation as a staunch anti-corruption crusader, dating back to his tenure as Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.
During that period, he was known for vigorously opposing corrupt practices, sponsoring key legislative reforms aimed at strengthening oversight, and advocating transparency in governance.
The group noted that his elevation to Speaker of the House further showcased his dedication. According to the Arewa Youth, Gbajabiamila steered the legislature through challenging times, ensuring that bills promoting good governance and anti-corruption measures received priority attention.
The group added that his actions consistently reflected a deep sense of sincerity and commitment to national development rather than personal gain.
The forum expressed deep shock that an individual with a well-documented history of criminality and fraudulent activities, such as Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, would dare to level serious accusations against a public figure of Gbajabiamila’s stature.
The Arewa Youth reminded the public that Matthew’s dubious track record dates back to at least 2016, when he allegedly falsely paraded himself as the President-General of a non-existent World Youth Organisation said to be affiliated with the United Nations.
The group emphasised that such a background makes his recent allegations highly questionable and unworthy of immediate public belief without concrete evidence.
It argued that Adeyemi’s allegations lacked credibility, citing what it described as his long history of fraudulent conduct and noting that he is already facing criminal charges in court. The forum urged Nigerians to allow the judicial process to take its course rather than drawing conclusions based on the claims of an individual it described as a serial impostor.
The Arewa Youth urged politicians and members of the public to refrain from politicising the matter, describing such attempts as sub judice and potentially capable of undermining the ongoing legal proceedings against Matthew and his accomplices.
They reaffirmed their support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and called on Nigerian youth, particularly in the northern region, to remain vigilant against impostors and fraudsters while rallying behind credible leaders committed to national progress.
“The Arewa Youth will continue to monitor developments and support all efforts geared towards building a better Nigeria anchored on transparency, accountability, and selfless service,” Alhaji Aliyu said.
