The self-styled director-general of the presidential foreign intervention promotion council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, has dismissed allegations that he is a fraudster, insisting that the courts should determine the truth surrounding the controversy over the disputed agency.
Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Politics Today, Adeyemi rejected the portrayal of him by the presidency, maintaining that he is not involved in fraud.
“I’m not a con artiste. Let the court decide on the matter,” he said.
The presidency had accused Adeyemi of forging several documents, including an appointment letter, to falsely present himself as the head of a government agency it says does not exist.
Questioning the government’s position, Adeyemi argued that he could not have operated openly if the agency was entirely fictitious.
“Let’s assume the agency does not exist. Would I have the temerity to be going all over the country meeting the heads of agencies and departments if they know that the agency does not exist or, as alleged, that I cooked everything?” he asked.
Adeyemi said his interactions with senior government officials, ambassadors and other key stakeholders reinforce his claim that the agency exists.
However, the presidency has continued to insist that the PFIPC has no legal backing and was never created through any executive instrument.
Responding to suggestions that his position was a political reward, Adeyemi acknowledged being a member of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State but dismissed claims that his appointment was tied to political patronage.
“I’m a member of APC from Oyo State. I wouldn’t say the position is a reward,” he said.