Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has questioned how a non-existent agency managed to operate a bank account at the Central Bank of Nigeria and occupy office space at the Federal Secretariat. Effiong made the observation on Saturday during an appearance on Arise Television's "Perspective" programme, discussing the controversy surrounding Femi Gbajabiamila, the president's Chief of Staff.
The dispute centres on allegations made by Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be Director General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. Adeyemi has alleged that Gbajabiamila received N400 million through intermediaries and demanded an additional N200 million to secure his appointment.
The presidency has flatly rejected these claims, stating that Gbajabiamila lacks the authority to issue appointment letters or create positions. However, Effiong argued that the government's defence raises serious questions about how such an operation could function.
"It is nonsensical, ridiculous, and preposterous to tell Nigerians that an alleged ghost agency was allocated office space at the Federal Secretariat by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation," he said. The lawyer added that opening and operating a bank account with the CBN requires official approvals and oversight, making the scenario implausible.
Effiong described the situation as deeply disrespectful and baffling. He emphasised that such administrative processes are not simple matters and cannot be conducted without proper government authorisation and monitoring.
The exchange highlights the growing scrutiny surrounding the alleged fake agency scandal. Questions continue to mount about how such an organisation could establish itself with official trappings without detection or proper authorisation from relevant government bodies.
