‘It’s Ridiculous, Preposterous’ – Lawyer challenges presidency over ‘Ghost Agency’ claims
Human Rights Lawyer Raises Questions About “Ghost Agency” Associated with Presidential Chief of Staff
In a developing controversy involving Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has expressed concern over the operations of a so-called “ghost agency.” Effiong questioned how this entity managed to open an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and secure office space at the Federal Secretariat during an interview on Saturday with Arise Television’s program “Perspective.”
Effiong’s remarks came in response to allegations made by Adeniyi Adeyemi, the Director General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). Adeyemi has accused Gbajabiamila of accepting 400 million naira through a proxy while also demanding an additional 200 million naira to facilitate his appointment.
The Presidency has denied these allegations, asserting that Gbajabiamila lacks the authority to write letters or issue appointments.
During the interview, Effiong described the notion of a “ghost agency” operating within the government as both baffling and disrespectful. He emphasized the seriousness of such operations, stating that the establishment of an agency and the processing of bank accounts require official approvals and oversight.
“The idea that an alleged ‘ghost’ agency was allocated office space by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is nonsensical,” Effiong said. “These are not trivial processes, and the implications raise significant concerns.”