Deputy Speaker Falls Victim to Sophisticated Impersonation Scheme

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has come out to reveal that he was a victim of a sophisticated impersonation scheme carried out by representatives of the 'Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council' (PFIPC). According to Kalu, the impostors claimed to be from the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) and the PFIPC, and presented official-looking documents and a physical address at the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja to convince Kalu of their legitimacy.

But Kalu's team did their due diligence and confirmed the address, and he subsequently approved a meeting with the delegation. However, instead of discussing policy, the delegation was more interested in taking photographs with him. The Deputy Speaker noted that they did not discuss the constitutional amendment process, legislative priorities, or potential collaboration between the National Assembly and the council.

Kalu's experience has sparked calls for stronger institutional safeguards to prevent government impersonation, particularly in the age of social media where fake documents and profiles can be easily created. The Deputy Speaker argued that official-looking documents, government logos, and physical addresses are no longer sufficient proof of legitimacy, and that more needs to be done to prevent impostors from gaining access to public officials.

### Investigating the PFIPC

The House of Representatives has since adopted a motion to investigate the PFIPC's alleged inclusion in the 2026 Appropriation Framework. The move is seen as a step in the right direction towards ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

### Adeniyi Adeyemi at the Centre of the Controversy

At the centre of the controversy is Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the Director-General of both the PFIPC and the PEAC. Adeyemi and his associates reportedly attended official functions and engaged with public institutions using stationery that suggested they represented the Presidency.

### The Presidency Distances Itself

The Presidency has since distanced itself from both Adeyemi and the two organisations. In a statement, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, confirmed that neither the PFIPC nor the PEAC exists under President Bola Tinubu's administration, and clarified that Adeyemi was never appointed to head any such body.

### Key Facts

  • The PFIPC allegedly presented itself as an agency under the Presidency despite lacking legal recognition.
  • Adeniyi Adeyemi claimed to be the Director-General of both the PFIPC and the PEAC.
  • The Presidency has distanced itself from both Adeyemi and the two organisations.
  • The House of Representatives has adopted a motion to investigate the PFIPC's alleged inclusion in the 2026 Appropriation Framework.
  • The PFIPC allegedly secured office space within the Federal Secretariat and interacted with senior officials.