PFIPC scandal: CSOs demand probe of budgetary allocations linked to agency

A coalition of civil society organisations has called for an independent investigation into allegations surrounding accounts allegedly opened at the Central Bank of Nigeria and budgetary allocations linked to a purported fake government agency, saying the controversy must be subjected to a transparent probe.

The coalition made the demand on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja, urging President Bola Tinubu to direct the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the allegations involving the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Speaking on behalf of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, Emmanuel Oluwasegun, the group said the controversy, which also includes bribery allegations against the Chief of Staff and counter-allegations of forgery and impersonation, should not be resolved through media exchanges.

According to the coalition, allegations relating to the 2026 Appropriation Act, accounts allegedly opened at the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the financial activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council warrant a comprehensive and independent investigation.

“A nation cannot be run on rumour, and it cannot be defended by silence. That is the crossroads at which Nigeria now stands,” the coalition said.

The groups urged President Tinubu to mandate the ICPC to investigate “all aspects of the controversy, including the alleged bribery claims, the budgetary history of the purported agency, accounts allegedly opened at the Central Bank of Nigeria and all financial transactions connected to it.

“The President should immediately direct the ICPC to commence a comprehensive, independent and transparent investigation into all allegations surrounding this matter, including the alleged bribery claims, the purported fake agency, its budgetary history and all financial transactions connected to it,” the coalition said.

It maintained that the objective was not to determine anyone’s guilt but to ensure that all allegations were subjected to due process in order to protect public confidence in government institutions.

The coalition also called on Gbajabiamila to resign or temporarily step aside to allow what it described as an unhindered and transparent investigation.

While acknowledging that the Chief of Staff has denied the allegations and has made counter-claims involving alleged forgery and impersonation, which are already before the courts, the group argued that stepping aside would strengthen public confidence in the integrity of the investigative process.

It further urged the President to ensure that the Chief of Staff remains out of office throughout the investigation to eliminate concerns over possible institutional influence.

The coalition also demanded periodic public updates on the investigation and the publication of the final report.

It warned that if no visible steps are taken to initiate an independent probe within seven days, it would organise a peaceful protest at the Presidential Villa to press its demands.

The group also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, avoid drawing premature conclusions and allow the allegations to be determined through credible investigations rather than speculation.

The controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council has dominated public discourse in recent days, following conflicting claims over the existence and legitimacy of the agency.

The Presidency has maintained that no such government agency exists, accusing the self-styled Director-General, Adebayo Adeyemi, of forging his appointment documents. However, Adeyemi has denied the allegations, insisting he was lawfully appointed and possesses valid official documents to support his claims.

The Presidency has also disclosed that Adeyemi and two others are standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of conspiracy, forgery and impersonation, with the case scheduled for hearing later this month. (Punch)