PFIPC Controversy: Group Defends SGF’s Office, Urges Public to Allow Investigations Run Their Course

By Iyojo Ameh

The Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria has called on Nigerians to refrain from politicising the controversy surrounding the alleged activities of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), urging security agencies to be allowed to conclude their investigations without interference.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Executive Director, Amb. Splendour Agbonkpolor, the group defended the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), arguing that the office should not be condemned over its reported involvement in the matter.

The group maintained that the OSGF is constitutionally responsible for coordinating government activities, including Nigeria’s participation in bilateral and multilateral engagements, and regularly processes nominations for official delegations to international events.

According to the statement, the reported invitation extended to Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi to join Nigeria’s delegation to the Canada-Africa Fintech Summit was issued in furtherance of President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda and should not be interpreted as official recognition of the PFIPC as a government agency.

It stressed that an invitation to participate in a government delegation does not confer legal status on any organisation.

The group also noted that although the PFIPC reportedly appeared in a budget proposal, no public funds were released to the body, adding that attempts to open an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria were unsuccessful.

According to the organisation, the development demonstrates that Nigeria’s financial control mechanisms functioned effectively by preventing any unauthorised disbursement of public funds.

The Initiative further commended the Presidency for referring the matter to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation.

It described the move as a demonstration of accountability and urged the public to allow the investigative agencies to complete their work without media trials or political pressure.

The group argued that the OSGF handles thousands of official correspondences, nominations and delegations annually and warned against using a single administrative action to indict the entire institution.

It maintained that if investigations establish that the PFIPC is a non-existent or fraudulent organisation, those responsible should face the full weight of the law rather than officials who acted in good faith while carrying out administrative duties.

The organisation also emphasised that government engagement with citizens, professionals and civil society organisations in implementing policies and promoting economic initiatives is consistent with international best practices.

It called on political actors, civil society organisations and the media to exercise restraint, focus on verified facts and avoid speculation capable of undermining public confidence in state institutions.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible leadership, insisting that Nigeria’s progress depends on strong institutions, due process and respect for the rule of law.