CHRICED Seeks Independent Probe of PFIPC, Calls for Chief of Staff’s Suspension

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, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, pending the outcome of the probe.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the organisation described the allegations surrounding the PFIPC as a serious test of transparency, accountability and good governance in the country.

CHRICED said allegations by the disclaimed Director-General of the PFIPC, Adeniyi Adeyemi, linking the Chief of Staff to the establishment of the council should be subjected to a transparent and independent investigation. It stressed that the allegations remained claims that required impartial verification by the appropriate authorities.

The organisation also expressed concern over issues raised in the 2026 Article IV Consultation Report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which it said highlighted discrepancies in Nigeria’s fiscal records.

It urged the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office to provide clarification on the issues raised to strengthen public confidence in government financial management.

CHRICED further called for the constitution of an independent investigative panel comprising civil society representatives, anti-corruption experts and jurists to examine the PFIPC controversy. It also advocated full disclosure of government-linked councils, committees and intervention bodies, including their mandates, funding sources and operational frameworks, while urging the government to strengthen transparency and accountability amid the country’s security and economic challenges.

The organisation appealed to civil society organisations, the media, labour unions, religious leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders to continue advocating accountability and the rule of law, maintaining that public confidence in democratic institutions depends on openness and responsible governance.