By Perpetua Onuegbu
Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has demanded a transparent, independent and comprehensive investigation into the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council scandal.
The group made this known in a statement issued by its Convener, Yunusa Ya’u in Abuja on Wednesday.
It expressed concern over reports alleging forged appointment of Adeniyi Adeyemi as Director-General of the purported federal agency.
Ya’u said that the controversy involved allegations of influence peddling, corruption, budgetary allocations and the operation of a non-existent government agency.
He noted that competent authorities must establish the authenticity of the allegations through credible investigations rather than speculations.
The convener recalled the presidency’s denial of any involvement by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, describing the principal accuser as an impostor facing prosecution.
He, however, said that the issue extended beyond individual culpability, raising concerns about transparency, accountability and due diligence in public appointments.
Ya’u questioned reports that the
2026 budget allocated N1.3 billion to the agency in spite of claims that it never existed.
He also queried the reported deployment of staff to the phantom agency by Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to him, the controversy has exposed weaknesses in Nigeria’s governance architecture and raised questions requiring credible, independent and transparent investigation.
Ya’u said conflicting accounts surrounding the agency, its recognition and funding had weakened public confidence in government institutions.
While stating that official denials alone could not restore confidence, he insisting that accountability required independent scrutiny in a constitutional democracy.
Ya’u called for suspension of persons linked to the alleged agency pending investigation and full cooperation by relevant officials and institutions.
He also demanded public release of investigation findings, prosecution of anyone found guilty of forgery or fraud and an audit of appointment and verification processes.
The convener further urged government to establish a public digital register of recognised federal institutions to enhance verification of agencies and appointments.
Ya’u, however, cautioned against premature judgments, urging due process, even as he called for reforms to strengthen transparency, integrity and public trust in governance.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq