0
0
ALL DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE DEMANDS INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT’S INTO OPERATIONS OF FICTITIOUS GOVERNMENT AGENCY
The All Democratic Alliance [ADA] expresses grave concern over the disturbing allegations and counter-allegations currently trailing the existence and operations of a purported government agency known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council [PFIPC], which has now become a subject of national controversy.
According to a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Leye Igbabo, it is utterly worrisome and unacceptable that an entity later discovered to be fictitious was able to operate with such audacity within the corridors of power.
The fact that this agency had unrestricted access to key government facilities including the Federal Secretariat, secured approval to recruit over 300 staff, was captured in the national budget with allocations amounting to billions of naira, opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, held meetings with foreign ambassadors, and even had the temerity to request official actions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaks to a monumental failure of our vetting and oversight systems.
This development goes beyond administrative error. It borders on the very integrity, functionality and security of our nation as a sovereign state. To attempt to dismiss such a weighty matter with a mere press statement is, in our view, an affront to the sensibility of Nigerians who expect far more from their government at a time like this.
What the country requires now is not rhetoric, but decisive action that assures citizens that their trust is not misplaced and that the institutions of state cannot be hijacked by fraudsters or foreign interests.
Consequently, ADA is calling for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation to unravel those behind this betrayal of public trust. The investigation must be thorough, time-bound and its findings made known to Nigerians without delay.
In the interest of transparency and to safeguard the credibility of the process, ADA also calls on the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to step aside pending the conclusion of the investigation. The office of the Chief of Staff has been associated with several controversies since the inception of this administration. Allowing the occupant to remain in office during this probe will cast doubt on the credibility and impartiality of whatever report is eventually produced.
We urge the Federal Government to act swiftly and decisively to restore public confidence. Nigerians must be reassured that our country is safe, that our institutions are protected, and that no individual or group, no matter how highly placed, is above accountability.
The All Democratic Alliance remains committed to defending democracy, transparency and good governance in Nigeria.
About The Author
