Fresh calls have emerged for senior government officials to step aside as investigations begin into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), with critics arguing that the integrity of the probe could be compromised if those linked to the allegations remain in office.
The latest demand came from Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to order an investigation without first suspending officials mentioned in the controversy.
Ibe Says Probe Should Be Accompanied by Temporary Suspensions
In a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, Ibe argued that allowing individuals connected to the allegations to continue carrying out their official duties during the investigation creates a conflict of interest.
He specifically referenced the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, saying those named in the allegations should be placed on suspension until the investigation is completed.
According to Ibe, failing to take that step gives those involved an opportunity to influence or interfere with the investigative process, describing the situation as allowing suspects to effectively oversee matters concerning themselves.
Tinubu Orders ICPC Investigation Into Controversial Council
The criticism follows President Tinubu’s directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a full investigation into the PFIPC.
The Presidency has maintained that the council is not a legally recognised government institution and insists it was never created or approved by the President.
The anti-corruption agency has been instructed to complete its investigation and submit its findings within 30 days.
Allegations Sparked National Controversy
The controversy intensified after Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who identified himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC, made a series of corruption allegations.
Adeyemi claimed he paid ₦600 million to secure the position, including ₦400 million allegedly routed through intermediaries.
He also accused Gbajabiamila of demanding 48 percent of the council’s proposed take-off grant.
The allegations have generated widespread public debate and prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the council.
Presidency Rejects Claims and Questions Council’s Legitimacy
In response, the Presidency dismissed Adeyemi’s claims and described him as an impostor.
Officials have repeatedly stated that the PFIPC has no legal foundation and was never authorised by President Tinubu or established through any official government process.
Despite those assurances, questions remain over reports that the council allegedly received a ₦1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act and was able to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Those developments have fuelled further scrutiny over how an organisation the Presidency says does not exist could allegedly access official government processes.
Pressure Mounts for Independent Investigation
Ibe’s comments add to a growing list of voices demanding stronger action from the Presidency.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, have also called for Gbajabiamila to be suspended while investigations are underway.
As the ICPC begins its inquiry, attention is expected to remain focused on whether the investigation will clarify the origins of the PFIPC, examine the allegations made against public officials, and address lingering questions surrounding the council’s reported funding and operations.
