PFIPC: Tinubu under pressure to drop ICPC inquiry, order independent investigation

• ‘Gbaja should be suspended, the Presidency cannot investigate itself’

By Gabriel Ewepu

The controversy over alleged fake agency, Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, said to have been facilitated by Matthew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed assistance from the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, has deepened as several CSOs and lawyers rejected the directive by President Bola Tinubu to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter and come up with a report within 30 days.

Some of the civil society organizations and lawyers wanted Tinubu to suspend Gbajabiamila from office to engender unfettered investigation of the allegations.

“If he (Gbajabiamiala) was placed on suspension, ICPC can be independent”, one of them said.

“When the Presidency has taken a position in the matter already, exonerated him, apportioned blame without a thorough investigation, that is to tell you that the government is a joke of some sort.

“And this is why many people are not taking this government seriously.

“You can’t just convince me otherwise because come to look at it holistically, yes, the ICPC should do an independent job, not to be teleguided but it is going to be burdened by the stance of the Presidency.

“The Presidency cannot even investigate itself – you can’t be a judge, jury and executioner over your own matter. The investigation should be done by independent people”.

Adeyemi had claimed that he got his appointment letter from Gbajabiamiala, and the agency’s budget was also captured, with N1.3 billion provided for it in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The agency was said to have operated with over 300 staff working under it at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

Gbajabiamiala has denied knowledge of the PFIPC and threatened N10 billion lawsuit against Adeyemi for defamation while the embattled PFIPC boss has stood his grounds that the agency was not fake.

Many Nigerians have called for an independent investigation of the matter and not a government agency.

Among them is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 elections, who argued: “Something is fundamentally wrong within the machinery of this administration. Nigerians deserve the whole truth, not carefully scripted press statements. We therefore demand a truly independent investigation that follows the evidence wherever it leads. No sacred cows. No political protection. No selective justice”.

CSOs and lawyers, who spoke with Sunday Vanguard against the backdrop of the Tinubu directive to the ICPC to investigate the matter, expressed divergent views, with many citing transparency and credibility.

Let those affected step aside for proper investigation – ANEEJ

 The Executive Director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, Rev David Ugolor, demanded Tinubu ask those affected by the saga step aside from their duties for proper and uninterrupted investigation by the ICPC.

Ugolor said: “The allegations surrounding the so-called phantom agency are yet another reminder of how corruption and weak institutional safeguards continue to undermine governance in Nigeria. This case highlights the urgent need to strengthen integrity systems, transparency, and accountability across public institutions.

“While we acknowledge the President’s directive for the ICPC to investigate the matter and submit its report within 30 days, there are legitimate concerns about the credibility and perceived independence of the process if key public officials connected to the allegations remain in office while the investigation is ongoing. 

“In the interest of justice, public confidence, and international best practice, those whose actions are under investigation should temporarily step aside to avoid any perception of interference or conflict of interest.”

The ANEEJ boss also pointed out, “The success of this investigation will not depend solely on the institution conducting it but on whether the process is genuinely transparent, independent, and accountable to the Nigerian people.”

He warned, “An investigation that is not seen as fair and impartial risks undermining public trust regardless of its findings.

“Nigeria’s international reputation is also at stake. The global community closely watches how countries respond to allegations of corruption involving senior public officials”. 

In his counsel to the President he said, “This presents an opportunity for the government to demonstrate that no individual is above the law and that the country’s anti-corruption institutions can act without fear or favour.

“Our advice is that the investigation should be conducted with maximum transparency.

“The terms of reference should be made public, relevant evidence should be thoroughly examined, witnesses should be protected, and the findings should be released in full.

“Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible should be held accountable in accordance with the law, irrespective of their position or political affiliation.

“Ultimately, this should not be seen merely as an investigation into one alleged scandal but as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s governance architecture, reinforce public confidence in state institutions, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to combating corruption.”

Independent inquiry process more ideal – IPC

 In his reaction, the Executive Director, International Press Centre, IPC, Lanre Arogundade, said a better and more reliable approach would have been the engagement of an independent inquiry process into investigate the matter for the sake of transparency and credibility following the interest of Nigerians and the international community.

Arogundade said, “It is a complicated situation because, as far as I know, the accused, Mr. Adeyemi, is already being charged to court, meaning that the court is in a position to examine the matter and invite witnesses, which effectively would put the matter in the public domain. 

“At the same time, the law establishing ICPC gives it powers to investigate matters like this. “However, given the level of public interest in the matter, an independent inquiry process would have been more ideal.”

We demand credible, transparent and independent investigation – ActionAid

In his reaction, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, Dr Andrew Mamedu, said what matters most in these allegations is for the ICPC to carry out a credible, transparent, and independent investigation practice.

Mamedu said, “I welcome every genuine effort to establish the truth and ensure accountability in matters of public interest.

“Given the seriousness of the allegations and the level of public concern they have generated, it is important that there is a thorough investigation. “However, the real test is not simply who conducts the investigation, but whether the process is credible, transparent and independent in practice.

“The President’s directive to the ICPC is a legitimate step within our institutional framework.

“What is critical now is that the Commission is allowed to carry out its mandate professionally, without interference, and in a manner that inspires public confidence. 

“Ultimately, the integrity of the process will be judged not only by its outcome but also by whether Nigerians can see that justice has been pursued fairly, objectively and without fear or favour.

“Public confidence is just as important as the investigation itself because trust in our institutions is fundamental to democratic governance.

“At moments like this, the country has an opportunity not only to establish the facts surrounding a particular case but also to reinforce the principle that public institutions are accountable to the people and that no one is above the law.

“If it is conducted professionally, transparently and without interference, then Nigerians will have every reason to trust its outcome.

“What is important now is that the investigation follows the facts wherever they lead and that the findings are made public. Accountability cannot be selective, and no one should be above the law.

“At the end of the day, Nigerians just want to see a process they can trust and an outcome they can believe in.”

However, the AAN boss advised that the investigation should be seen “as an opportunity to strengthen our institutions, not just to resolve a controversy. This is a defining moment for accountability in Nigeria. 

“The focus should be on establishing the facts, holding anyone found culpable accountable in accordance with the law, and identifying and addressing any institutional gaps that made this situation possible. 

“Beyond individual accountability, government institutions must be strengthened to ensure that weaknesses in oversight, coordination and governance are addressed so that incidents like this do not happen again.

“While the international community is certainly watching, the more important audience is the Nigerian citizens.

“Public trust in our institutions depends on the confidence that no one is above the law and that justice is applied fairly and consistently.

“That confidence can only be built through a process that is transparent, impartial and evidence-driven.”

He added, “If we get this right, it will send a strong message that our institutions are capable of holding themselves accountable and that Nigeria is committed to the principles of transparency, integrity and the rule of law. “Those are the values that inspire confidence, both at home and abroad.”

Meanwhile, human rights lawyers, who spoke with Sunday Vanguard, said whereas it is constitutional for Tinubu to ask the ICPC to investigate the allegations, the basic concern is for the President or whoever should allow the ICPC carry out its assignment and statutory duties independently.

 Investigation should result to punishing anyone culpable – Idris

 A human rights lawyer and public analyst, Idris Faro, demanded that the investigation should lead to punishment of any those found culpable and nothing be swept under the carpet as usual.

He said: “I think the President means well by giving ICPC directive to investigate the phantom agency and all issues surrounding it.

“ICPC is an independent statutory agency of the government with powers to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices.

“It is the right agency to investigate the allegations. You don’t have to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate all allegations. 

“Looking at the directive given the agency, it encompasses all questions that the public are asking.

“The questionable existence of the agency and the people allegedly involved in its establishment are to be investigated. And the likely gaps in governance that allowed it to happen.

“I would refrain from accusing anyone until the outcome of the investigation is known. But it is crucial that the allegations are well investigated and those culpable be brought to justice.”

 We demand independent investigation – Adeyanju

 Also, in his reaction, human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, insisted government should use independent people to investigate the matter while calling for the suspension of Gbajabiamiala.

Adeyanju said: “Basically, the Presidency had cleared Gbajabiamiala that blamed and taken sides in the matter.

“Gbajabiamiala has not been suspended as Chief of Staff, he was seen at a State House programme, hailing the President, now you said ICPC should probe him, how?

“If he (Gbajabiamiala) was placed on suspension, ICPC can be independent.

“When the Presidency has taken a position in the matter already, exonerated him, apportioned blame without a thorough investigation, that is to tell you that the government is a joke of some sort.

“And this is why many people are not taking this government seriously.

“You can’t just convince me otherwise because come to look at it holistically, yes, the ICPC should do an independent job, not to be teleguided but it is going to be burdened by the stance of the Presidency.

“The Presidency cannot even investigate itself – you can’t be a judge, jury and executioner over your own matter. The investigation should be done by independent people. 

“While I charge the ICPC should not be influenced by the report of the Presidency, not to consider reports exonerating or indicting Gbajabiamiala, the ICPC should go outside the reports and outside the supposed arraignment of the person involved because it could have been influenced by the Aso Rock Villa”.

Meanwhile, he (Adeyanju) called on Nigerians to thoroughly follow the matter with all diligence and vigilance.

“Nigerians should continue to insist that Gbajabiamiala be investigated on the allegations made against him and Nigerians should remain internally vigilant and hold government accountable”, he stated. 

“How can you be saying somebody is organizing a fake organisation, the person has so many authentic documents emanating from government, everything shows that the person was authentic but the Villa says the person is fake, how?”

ICPC mustn’t allow politics to overshadow investigation – Odekhe

Another human rights lawyer and Managing Partner, Cornerstone Advocates, Abuja, Toluwa Odekhe, cautioned the ICPC against allowing its investigation to be overshadowed by politics, while he acknowledged that ICPC was the right anti-corruption agency that has the law backing its operations on such matters.

Odekhe said, “Is the President’s directive legal? Yes. The President can refer any matter of suspected corruption to ICPC.

“ICPC has powers to summon, investigate, and prosecute without the president’s interference with the outcome. So, the directive is constitutionally sound. 

“ICPC is the statutory anti-corruption agency. It has teeth. An ‘independent panel’ would have no prosecutorial powers unless backed by law. 

“However, because the allegations touch the highest office in the Presidency, public perception matters. For credibility, ICPC must be seen to operate without interference. 

“For the process to command trust, transparency must not be sacrificed on the altar of politics. 

“ICPC is enjoined to publish its terms of reference and, at the end, a summary of findings. Nigerians deserve to see the evidence. 

“Two, evidence must not be withheld.  Documents relating to the 2026 budget and payments should be made available to investigators. 

“Whistleblowers must also be afforded adequate protection: Anyone who provides information must be protected from harassment. 

“The National Assembly should also exercise its oversight functions through committees who will monitor the probe to reinforce checks and balances. 

“Lastly, there must be decisive, non-compromised action. If wrongdoing is found, prosecute. If the allegations are false, exonerate publicly. Silence will only erode the trust reposed on the system. 

“This is about the sanctity of our budget process and the rule of law and thus beyond an office or a person.

“President Tinubu’s directive to ICPC is a valid first step. But the ultimate test will be in how open, thorough, and unbiased the investigation is carried out.”

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