CDHR urges Gbajabiamila to step aside over PFIPC scandal

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights has called for an independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, urging the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to temporarily vacate his office while the allegations are investigated.

In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by its National President, Yinka Folarin, and National Secretary, Idris Afees, the rights group said the move was necessary to guarantee transparency and preserve public confidence in the investigation.

The organisation stressed that asking the Chief of Staff to step aside should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt but as a measure to prevent any perception of interference in the investigative process.

The demand follows allegations by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who claims he was lawfully appointed Director-General of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council through a letter allegedly issued by the Chief of Staff. Matthew has also accused Gbajabiamila of demanding ₦27.4 billion and receiving ₦400 million through intermediaries to facilitate the appointment.

The Federal Government, however, has accused Matthew of forging official documents, impersonation and operating a fictitious government agency.

According to the CDHR, the conflicting claims raise serious concerns that require a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation by relevant security and anti-graft agencies.

The group maintained that no public office holder should be shielded from scrutiny where credible allegations exist, warning that failure to investigate the matter could further erode public trust in government institutions.

It also urged the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Nigeria Police Force to jointly investigate all allegations surrounding the case.

The organisation questioned how the alleged council reportedly operated from government premises, interacted with public institutions and appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act despite being described by the Presidency as a non-existent entity.

It further called on the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Central Bank of Nigeria to explain how the organisation allegedly secured budgetary allocations, financial documentation and other official recognition.

The CDHR said any individual found guilty after investigation, whether a public official or private citizen, should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The group also endorsed the position of its Board of Trustees Chairman, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who has advocated equal scrutiny of all parties connected to the controversy.