Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has called for a wider investigation into the alleged budget fraud involving the Director-General of the PFIPC, Prince Adeniyi Matthew, insisting that the embattled official should not be made the sole scapegoat.
In a statement shared on his social media page, VDM claimed that Adeniyi Matthew had disclosed to him how the PFIPC allegedly found its way into Nigeria’s national budget through the influence of individuals in powerful government positions.
According to the activist, he decided to make the claims public because he believes efforts are being made to ensure Adeniyi Matthew alone bears responsibility for the alleged scandal.
“I am revealing everything now because it looks like they want him alone to take the fall, which doesn’t make sense. Prince Adeniyi Matthew didn’t act alone and, to me, he is just a victim of a corrupt system that might have been going on for decades,” VDM said.
He called for the immediate arrest of the Director-General of the Budget Office and urged authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation into the entire budgeting process, arguing that accountability should extend beyond one individual.
VDM also referenced the reported ₦15 billion defamation lawsuit filed by President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, against Adeniyi Matthew over allegations linking his name to the controversy. While acknowledging Gbajabiamila’s right to seek legal redress, the activist maintained that the investigation should not stop with the PFIPC boss.
He further demanded the resignation and prosecution of the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and officials within the affected government offices if investigations establish their involvement.
According to VDM, the alleged ability of PFIPC to secure a place in the national budget suggests the possibility that other unknown agencies may have also been inserted through similar means.
“The system is very rotten and if we really want this country to grow, we must demand real accountability, not politically influenced accountability,” he stated.
The activist urged relevant anti-corruption agencies and the federal government to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations to determine the extent of any wrongdoing and ensure that all those found culpable are held accountable.
