Fresh pressure has mounted on the Federal Government over the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), as prominent Nigerians and opposition groups demand a comprehensive investigation into the alleged scandal.
Among those calling for a probe are human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). They also urged the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to step aside while investigations are ongoing.
Falana Questions FG’s Explanation
Falana described the Presidency’s explanation of the PFIPC controversy as inadequate.
He questioned how an agency the government now describes as non-existent allegedly secured a budget allocation, operated from the Federal Secretariat, opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and received hundreds of civil servants.
“How did an agency that is not created by law find its way into the Appropriation Act of Nigeria?”
He also called for an independent investigation into the role of the Chief of Staff.
“The government has a duty to ask Mr. Gbajabiamila to step aside to allow for a full investigation.”
Atiku Gives Tinubu Seven Days
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar gave President Bola Tinubu a seven-day ultimatum to order what he described as a transparent and independent investigation.
According to Atiku, the controversy has gone beyond allegations against one individual and now raises serious concerns about Nigeria’s public institutions.
“Nigeria deserves the truth. The President must order a comprehensive, independent investigation immediately.”
He warned that failure to investigate the matter could deepen public suspicion.
ADC Demands Judicial Panel
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) called for the establishment of an independent judicial panel of inquiry.
The party asked investigators to examine the roles of several government officials and institutions.
These include:
- Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila
- Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume
- Head of the Civil Service Didi Walson-Jack
- Budget Office
- Central Bank of Nigeria
- Office of the Accountant-General
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Office of the National Security Adviser
- DSS
- Nigeria Police Force
The ADC said Nigerians deserve to know how a supposedly fictitious agency allegedly obtained official recognition and billions of naira in budget allocations.
NDC Raises Fresh Questions
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) also criticised the Presidency’s explanation.
The party questioned how the alleged agency reportedly opened bank accounts, received staff approvals and operated within government institutions.
It called for the immediate removal of the Chief of Staff to ensure an impartial investigation.
The NDC also urged the EFCC, ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.
Civil Servants Speak on PFIPC Operations
Meanwhile, three civil servants reportedly deployed to the PFIPC said they had little or no work after assuming duty.
According to statements cited in the report, the officials said they resumed at the office but received no formal assignments throughout their stay.
They also claimed they had never heard of the agency before their deployment.
How the Controversy Began
The controversy began after the Office of the Chief of Staff disowned Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC.
The Presidency maintained that the council does not exist.
Adeyemi, however, denied the allegations. He insisted he would clear his name in court and called for an independent panel to investigate the matter.
