PFIPC Scandal: Ex-Obi Campaign Coordinator Demands Transparent Probe

A former coordinator of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, Ifeanyi Thaddeus Ezeagu, has called for a transparent, independent and comprehensive investigation into the controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Naija News reports that Ezeagu said the scandal had exposed serious weaknesses in Nigeria’s public administration and accountability systems.

In a statement issued on Thursday, he said Nigerians deserved to know how an allegedly non-existent federal agency reportedly obtained official recognition, office accommodation and a budgetary allocation before questions were raised about its legitimacy.

The Sokoto-based businessman, who contested during the recent governorship primaries in Imo State, welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the controversy within 30 days.

He, however, maintained that the investigation must be impartial, transparent and protected from political interference.

Ezeagu said the probe must go beyond identifying individuals directly linked to the alleged scandal and uncover institutional failures or collaborators who may have enabled it.

“The integrity of public institutions is fundamental to democracy. Nigerians must be assured that no one is above the law and that every individual or institution found culpable will be held accountable, regardless of status or political affiliation,” he said.

According to him, the allegations have raised legitimate concerns about due process in government appointments, budget preparation and the management of public institutions.

He urged the investigating authorities to make their findings public, arguing that full disclosure would help restore citizens’ confidence in governance.

The governorship hopeful said the controversy should serve as a wake-up call for the Federal Government to strengthen internal controls and verification procedures across ministries, departments and agencies.

He also recommended the digitisation of institutional records to reduce the risk of fraudulent appointments, unauthorised agencies and questionable budgetary entries.

Ezeagu urged the ICPC, the National Assembly and other relevant oversight institutions to work together to ensure a credible investigation and permanently close any loopholes uncovered during the inquiry.

“The fight against corruption must be consistent and institutional. This is an opportunity to strengthen transparency, reinforce accountability and reassure Nigerians that public resources are protected,” he added.

Ezeagu maintained that accountable governance was essential to rebuilding public trust and attracting meaningful investment into the country.

He said citizens and civil society organisations must continue to demand transparency, integrity and responsibility from public officials and government institutions.