The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for an independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), urging the immediate suspension of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, pending the outcome of the probe.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the organisation described the allegations linked to the PFIPC as a serious test of Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance.
CHRICED said the controversy, which followed allegations by the disowned Director-General of the PFIPC, Adeniyi Adeyemi, that the Chief of Staff allegedly “procured the agency for him at a price,” requires an impartial and transparent investigation to protect public confidence in government institutions.
According to the organisation, the allegations are too weighty to be ignored and should be thoroughly investigated by an independent panel comprising civil society organisations, anti-corruption experts and respected jurists.
The group also linked the controversy to broader concerns about governance and public financial management, citing the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) 2026 Article IV Consultation Report, which reportedly indicated that about two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), estimated at approximately ₦8.83 trillion, was not reflected in the country’s 2025/2026 budget documents.
It argued that the reported discrepancy raises fundamental questions about fiscal transparency, government accountability and the credibility of public institutions, especially at a time when the country is battling widespread insecurity, kidnappings and economic hardship.
CHRICED maintained that government misconduct at such a critical period undermines public trust and diverts attention from addressing pressing national security and economic challenges.
Among its demands, the organisation called for the immediate suspension of the Chief of Staff pending the conclusion of investigations, the establishment of an independent investigative panel to probe the PFIPC controversy, and the publication of details of all government-linked councils, committees and intervention bodies, including their mandates, funding sources and operational frameworks.
The organisation also urged the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office to provide clarification on the IMF’s observations regarding alleged unrecorded government spending.
While calling for greater transparency and accountability, CHRICED appealed to civil society organisations, the media, trade unions, religious leaders, youth groups and professional associations to remain vigilant and continue demanding openness in public affairs.
The organisation stressed that accountability and transparency remain essential to restoring public confidence in governance and strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.
