Falana Demands Answers on Alleged Fake Agency, Calls for Gbajabiamila's Resignation

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has demanded that Nigeria's Federal Government provide a full and transparent account of the alleged fake agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). Falana stated on a current affairs program that the government owes Nigerians a comprehensive explanation, as the issues surrounding the council cannot be dismissed with a brief official statement.

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I think there is more to this matter than meets the eye. Nigerians have not been given the full facts.

He described the Presidency's explanation as inadequate, leaving "gaping holes" that require thorough investigation. "To say it very mildly, the country has been exposed to unprecedented ridicule," Falana commented. "The government must appreciate that they are dealing with civilised people, so the government must come out more clearly on this matter."

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To say it very mildly, the country has been exposed to unprecedented ridicule. The government must appreciate that they are dealing with civilised people, so the government must come out more clearly on this matter.

Falana questioned the integrity of Nigeria's governance structure, asking how an agency not created by law could be included in the national budget, operate from the Federal Secretariat, open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, and have civil servants deployed to it. "If this is a conman that can con the Presidency into issuing a letter of appointment, con the Central Bank into opening accounts, con the National Assembly into inserting the agency into the budget, I think the government is kidding," he asserted.

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How did an agency that is not created by law find its way into the Appropriation Act of Nigeria? How did that body get an office in the Federal Secretariat? How did that body successfully open accounts in the Central Bank of Nigeria? How did the Head of Service post about 300 staff to that office.

The senior advocate emphasized that the matter extends beyond the individual facing prosecution. He argued that various government institutions involved in budgeting, administration, and financial management, along with the National Assembly, must answer questions. Falana also called for an independent investigation into the alleged role of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, suggesting he should step aside temporarily.

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If this is a conman that can con the Presidency into issuing a letter of appointment, con the Central Bank into opening accounts, con the National Assembly into inserting the agency into the budget, I think the government is kidding.