Rufai Oseni Dismisses Tinubu’s ICPC Probe Order as ‘Greatest Joke of the Century’ Over PFIPC Scandal

Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has questioned the credibility of President Bola Tinubu’s directive ordering the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) and its self-acclaimed Director-General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.

Speaking on The Morning Show on Wednesday, Oseni argued that the investigation was unlikely to produce meaningful results, claiming the Presidency had already taken a position on the matter before announcing the probe.

The broadcaster described the decision to involve the ICPC as “the greatest joke of the century,” insisting that public confidence in the investigation had already been undermined by the Presidency’s earlier response to the allegations.

According to Oseni, the initial statement issued by the Presidency appeared to clear President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, of any wrongdoing. He argued that launching an investigation after such a public position raises questions about the independence and credibility of the process.

“The presidency calling for an investigation into the Adeyemi saga, I laugh. That’s the greatest joke of the century. Nothing, hold me here, will come out of the investigation. It’s just another way to deceive and distract Nigerians,” Oseni said.

He further questioned whether the ICPC would be willing to pursue an investigation that could implicate individuals considered close to the government, alleging that the Presidency’s “body language” had already signalled where it stood on the issue.

Oseni also referenced other unresolved controversies, including an aircraft that reportedly landed on a highway, arguing that Nigerians have become accustomed to investigations that fail to produce clear outcomes or accountability.

While stressing that no individual should be presumed guilty, the television host maintained that everyone mentioned in connection with the PFIPC controversy should be subjected to an impartial investigation.

“Everybody that was mentioned one way or the other should be made to face the investigation panel. That’s what we are saying. Nobody is saying anybody is guilty. But once the presidency had written a statement to exonerate people… and later says it wants an investigation, why should Nigerians trust the process?” he said.

Oseni concluded by expressing doubt that the investigation would uncover any significant findings, saying Nigerians would ultimately judge the process by its outcome.