‘I’m Ready to Face the Law, Clear My Name’ — Adeyemi Fires Back in Presidency Council Scandal

The controversy surrounding the disputed Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) took another turn on Thursday as its self-acclaimed Director-General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, declared that he is prepared to face the courts to defend himself against allegations of impersonation and forgery levelled by the Presidency.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, Adeyemi said he welcomed the judicial process and expressed confidence that the courts would determine the truth.

"Definitely, sir. If I'm wrong, let the court of law do that, and if I'm right, let the court of law do that; do the right thing," he said.

He rejected claims that he is an impostor or con artist, insisting he would clear his name through the legal process.

"Since the matter is in court, let the court of competent jurisdiction vindicate me because I'm ready to clear my name," Adeyemi said.

He added that he would refrain from commenting extensively on issues already before the court.

"I don't want to talk much about it since the matter is in court. In fact, I'm restricted from talking since the matter is in the courts. So let's just get to the courts."

Asked how salaries and activities of the council were funded, Adeyemi declined to provide details, saying the issues would be addre ssed during the trial.

The latest remarks come barely a day after the Presidency publicly disowned the PFIPC, describing it as a non-existent government agency and accusing Adeyemi of allegedly forging official documents, impersonating government officials and operating fictitious organisations to deceive public institutions, foreign diplomats and members of the public.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency also cleared Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of any involvement in Adeyemi's appointment, insisting the Chief of Staff neither appointed him nor had the authority to create or head such an agency.

According to the Presidency, police investigations allegedly uncovered forged appointment letters, multiple bank accounts linked to fictitious agencies and an account reportedly opened with the Central Bank of Nigeria using false representations. Authorities also confirmed that an eight-count criminal charge had already been filed against Adeyemi and two others before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Adeyemi, however, maintained that he was lawfully appointed and questioned the Presidency's position, arguing that the disputed council was captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

During the television interview, he referred to the budget document, which contains an entry under the Presidency titled "Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council" with budget code 0111062001 and a total allocation of ₦1.303 billion.

According to the published budget details, the allocation comprises ₦802.98 million for personnel costs, ₦200 million for overhead expenditure and ₦300 million for capital projects.

Adeyemi argued that the inclusion of the council in the federal budget raises questions that deserve public explanation.

He also repeated earlier allegations against the Chief of Staff, claiming their disagreement arose after he allegedly refused demands relating to the agency's proposed take-off funding. Those allegations have been denied by the Presidency, and no evidence has been presented in court to substantiate them.

The Presidency has urged Nigerians to allow the judicial process to run its course, maintaining that the matter is already before the courts.

The case is scheduled to come up before the Federal High Court in Abuja later this month, where both the criminal charges filed by the authorities and Adeyemi's defence are expected to be tested in court.

The controversy has generated widespread public attention after photographs surfaced on social media showing Adeyemi at official engagements with several senior public officials during the period he publicly presented himself as head of the disputed council. The Presidency, however, insists those appearances do not confer legitimacy on the organisation and maintains that the court will determine the issues in dispute.

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