Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has renewed his call for an independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the recent arrest of its alleged self-styled Director-General as insufficient.
Atiku made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr Phrank Shaibu.
He said the investigation should extend beyond the actions of one individual to determine how an organisation reportedly described by the Presidency as non-existent allegedly operated within government institutions.
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According to the former vice-president, critical questions remain unanswered regarding how the organisation allegedly secured office accommodation, recruited personnel, obtained diplomatic recognition and was reportedly captured in the national budget.
“The scandal is not merely that one man allegedly impersonated public authority. The greater question is how such an organisation allegedly gained access to government institutions and operated with apparent official recognition,” he said.
Atiku also questioned a provision in the 2026 Appropriation Act allocating N6.44 billion for what he described as a “Special Presidential Support Group for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.”
He argued that the allocation required explanation, noting that Nigeria had already been eliminated from the qualification race before the budget was presented.
“How does a government budget N6.44 billion for World Cup qualifiers after Nigeria had already been eliminated? Who inserted the provision, who approved it, and what was the intended purpose of the allocation?” he asked.
The former vice-president said the budgetary provision raised concerns about transparency, fiscal discipline and the integrity of the budgeting process.
He also referred to allegations reportedly made by Adeniyi Adeyemi, including claims that he paid about N400 million in bribes to secure his position and mentioned senior government officials.
Atiku, however, noted that the allegations remained unproven and should be subjected to an independent, transparent and impartial investigation.
He expressed reservations over the Federal Government’s decision to allow the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter, arguing that a probe conducted by agencies under the executive might not inspire public confidence.
The former vice-president urged the National Assembly to establish a bipartisan panel to investigate all aspects of the PFIPC controversy.
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He also called on the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations, the diplomatic community and other stakeholders to support a transparent investigation.
According to him, Nigerians deserve to know who authorised the PFIPC, how it allegedly gained access to government institutions, who facilitated its operations and whether public funds were allocated to it.
He said only a credible investigation would establish the facts and strengthen public confidence in governance.
