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ABUJA – The Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for an independent forensic investigation into allegations surrounding the alleged non-existence of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, describing the development as a test of the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the opposition party said the allegations and the presidency’s response have raised serious questions about governance, institutional oversight and accountability within the current administration.
The PDP referred to allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Matthew regarding appointments into the alleged Presidential Economic Advisory Council, as well as the response issued by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. The party argued that the presidency’s explanation had left critical issues unresolved.
According to the PDP, if the presidency’s claim that Prince Matthew was an impostor is accurate, it would expose significant weaknesses in the government’s internal controls, as it would suggest that an unauthorised individual was able to operate within government institutions, access office facilities and interact with public agencies without detection.
Conversely, the party said that if the allegations against the Chief of Staff were proven to be true, it would amount to a serious case of official misconduct requiring decisive action.
The opposition party maintained that either scenario points to the need for an independent investigation capable of establishing the facts and restoring public confidence.
The PDP further argued that any government confronted with allegations of such magnitude should institute a transparent forensic inquiry, suspend officials directly connected with the matter pending the outcome of investigations, implement institutional reforms where necessary and keep the public informed of its findings.
The party therefore urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commission an independent forensic investigation by a reputable international firm, suspend officials linked to the controversy pending the outcome of the probe, reorganise the presidency where necessary and publicly address Nigerians on the matter.
The PDP added that transparent handling of the allegations would be essential to strengthening public trust in government and demonstrating a commitment to accountability.
