Amanze Chinonye
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), saying at least 10 government officials and institutions should be investigated over the unfolding scandal.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said the allegations surrounding the PFIPC extend beyond claims against any individual and raise fundamental questions about governance, institutional integrity and national security.
The ADC argued that the Presidency’s explanation that the PFIPC was a fictitious organisation had raised more questions than it answered, insisting that the government’s position exposed serious weaknesses in the country’s public institlputions.
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According to the party, if the Presidency’s account is accurate, Nigerians deserve to know how an organisation it now describes as non-existent secured recruitment approvals, budgetary allocations, official correspondence, diplomatic engagements and recognition across several government institutions.
It maintained that the controversy should not be resolved through press statements or selective denials, stressing that only an independent judicial inquiry can establish the facts and restore public confidence in public institutions.
The ADC specifically identified 10 individuals and institutions it believes should be investigated. They include the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations relating to documents issued from his office and claims that he received bribes from Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi; Adeyemi himself, to determine the extent of his involvement in the creation and operation of the PFIPC; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack; and Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu.
Others listed are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and relevant oversight committees of the National Assembly.
According to the party, the proposed judicial panel should have the powers to summon witnesses, compel the production of official documents and determine whether any negligence, abuse of office, collusion or criminal wrongdoing occurred.
The ADC argued that if the PFIPC was indeed fictitious, the government must explain how it obtained official approvals, budgetary allocations and recognition across multiple arms of government. Conversely, it said that if the body was legitimate, Nigerians deserve an explanation for why the Presidency has publicly disowned it.
The party also criticised what it described as a double standard in the government’s handling of corruption allegations, noting that security and anti-corruption agencies had been swiftly deployed in previous cases involving political opponents, while no similar action had been taken against the President’s Chief of Staff.
It urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately establish an independent Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate every aspect of the PFIPC controversy, warning that failure to do so would reinforce public perceptions that the administration is unwilling to investigate allegations involving senior government officials.
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The ADC further warned that if the current administration failed to conduct a transparent investigation, an ADC-led government would make the PFIPC scandal one of its first accountability priorities.
“Every approval, every budgetary allocation, every official correspondence, every financial transaction, and every public officer connected to this scandal will be subjected to the highest level of scrutiny,” the party said.
It added that anyone found to have abused public office, violated the law or unlawfully enriched themselves would be prosecuted “to the full extent of the law,” insisting there would be “no sacred cows, no untouchables, and no hiding place for corruption.”
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
