PFICP Scandal: ‘FG has questions to answer’ -Falana, Atiku, NDC, others demand probe

A significant scandal is engulfing Nigeria following revelations about the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), an agency that, despite being disowned by the presidency, was allocated a staggering N24 billion in the 2026 national budget. This has sparked widespread outrage and calls for a thorough investigation.

Prominent figures, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, are leading the charge, demanding accountability. They have specifically called for the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, to recuse himself from his duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

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Nigeria exposed to unprecedented ridicule

The controversy began on June 11, 2026, when the Office of the Chief of Staff publicly disassociated itself from Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi. Adeyemi had allegedly presented himself as the Director General of both the PFIPC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), entities the presidency stated do not exist.

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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 government will have to explain to Nigerians how a sum of N24 billion was budgeted for an unknown agency, as well as how that agency had accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria

Gbajabiamila had initiated action in October 2025 after forged appointment letters related to these purported agencies surfaced. Adeyemi was subsequently charged in Federal High Court with forgery, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretenses. However, Adeyemi denies the allegations, asserting his readiness to clear his name and claiming his accusers are attempting to silence him. He has also alleged that Gbajabiamila provided him with an appointment letter.

Femi Falana, SAN, sharply criticized the presidency's explanation, stating it has left Nigeria "exposed to unprecedented ridicule." He raised critical questions about how a non-existent agency could be included in the national budget, secure an office in the Federal Secretariat, open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, and have approximately 300 staff posted to it. Falana emphasized that the issue extends beyond the individual on trial, questioning the integrity of a system that could allegedly be deceived into facilitating such an operation. He also stressed the National Assembly's responsibility to explain its role in approving the budget for an agency unknown to the law.

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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.