Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, pending an independent investigation into allegations surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group urged the President to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant anti-graft agencies to conduct a comprehensive, transparent and time-bound investigation into the controversy.
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HURIWA said the matter had raised serious concerns about public accountability, fiscal transparency, institutional integrity and the credibility of the Federal Government.
According to the group, allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi regarding the PFIPC including claims of bribery, disputed appointments, budgetary allocations, and the alleged official recognition of the council despite public denials of its existence are too weighty to be dismissed without a thorough investigation.
The organisation also questioned reports that the PFIPC was captured in the 2026 Appropriation Act with substantial budgetary allocations despite claims that the body does not exist.
It argued that if the council was never legally established, the government must explain how it appeared in the national budget after passing through executive scrutiny, legislative approval and presidential assent.
Conversely, HURIWA said that if the council existed in any official capacity, the government should disclose its legal basis, operational mandate, funding structure and oversight framework.
The group said investigators should establish whether the PFIPC was lawfully created and under whose authority; how it was included in the 2026 national budget; whether public funds were appropriated or released to it; whether any public officials benefited financially from its operations; the authenticity of documents, appointments and official correspondence linked to the council; the validity of allegations concerning an alleged N400 million payment and other financial transactions; and whether any abuse of office, fraud, forgery, influence peddling or corruption occurred in connection with its activities.
To safeguard the credibility of the investigation, HURIWA urged President Tinubu to direct Gbajabiamila to step aside or suspend him pending the conclusion of the probe.
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According to the organisation, allowing the Chief of Staff to remain in office while allegations involving him are being investigated could undermine public confidence and create the perception of undue influence over the investigative process.
The group stressed that its demand was not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation but was consistent with established principles of accountability and transparency.
HURIWA further urged the President to demonstrate that the administration’s anti-corruption campaign applies equally to all public officials, regardless of their position or political influence.
It warned that failure to address the lingering questions surrounding the PFIPC controversy could further erode public trust in government institutions and weaken confidence in the administration’s commitment to accountability.
The organisation maintained that only a transparent investigation conducted without fear or favour would resolve the controversy, restore public confidence and reassure Nigerians that no public official is above the law.
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.
