The (CACOL) has called on the Chief of Staff to the President, , to step aside pending an independent investigation into the alleged operation of the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), which the Presidency has said is not a legally established federal agency.
In a statement signed by CACOL’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo, on behalf of the organisation’s Chairman, , the group described the allegations surrounding the purported agency as serious and capable of undermining confidence in public institutions.
CACOL noted that reports identified as presenting himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC, while allegations were also made against Gbajabiamila, including claims of appointment racketeering and financial demands.
The organisation acknowledged that the Presidency had denied the allegations, maintaining that the PFIPC was a fictitious agency and that security agencies had earlier been alerted to investigate alleged cases of forgery and impersonation.
While stating that it was not making any determination on the allegations, CACOL questioned how a non-existent government agency could allegedly operate for an extended period, interact with government institutions and foreign missions, and obtain official-looking documents.
The group argued that if the reports were accurate, they exposed serious institutional failures and called for a comprehensive investigation into any ministry, department or agency whose negligence or complicity may have enabled the alleged fraud.
According to CACOL, the controversy highlights systemic weaknesses within government institutions and underscores the need for accountability to restore public confidence.
The organisation also recalled that President had previously removed senior government officials, including former ministers and , over performance concerns, controversies or allegations of misconduct.
It argued that the same standard of accountability should apply to all public office holders.
CACOL therefore urged Gbajabiamila to voluntarily step aside to allow what it described as a full, transparent, independent and unhindered investigation, stressing that such a move should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt but as a demonstration of respect for due process and the rule of law.
The organisation maintained that only a credible investigation would establish the facts, reassure Nigerians that the fight against corruption is not selective, and ensure that anyone found culpable, regardless of status or political affiliation, is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
CACOL warned that institutional compromise of such magnitude, if established, could weaken governance, erode public trust and undermine national development, insisting that the matter must be thoroughly investigated.
