By Aderogba George
The Centre for Peace Transparency and Accountability (CPTA) has called for due process in the handling of issues surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
It urged Nigerians to avoid trial by media and allow relevant institutions to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero, made the call in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
Ogheneyero said that while allegations of misconduct involving public officials should be taken seriously, they should be investigated through established legal and institutional processes.
According to him, allegations remain unproven until they are established through credible evidence and subjected to lawful investigation.
He urged the public to refrain from drawing conclusions before the completion of investigations by the appropriate authorities.
The CPTA executive director also cautioned against trial by media, saying it could erode public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law.
He noted that the Presidency had earlier distanced itself from the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), saying the development underscored the need for objective scrutiny of issues relating to the matter.
He stressed that accountability should be anchored on verifiable facts, credible evidence and due process, rather than speculation or media campaigns.
“We encourage Nigerians to allow relevant institutions to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without prejudice and to avoid actions or comments capable of undermining ongoing or future investigations,” he said.
Ogheneyero called on all stakeholders to promote responsible public discourse and uphold the constitutional principles of presumption of innocence and fair hearing.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law. (NAN)