PFIPC: Human rights lawyer seeks answers, calls for unbiased, independent probe

 

 

Akinwole Okenile, a human rights lawyer, has called for greater transparency and an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), saying the controversy raises broader questions about institutional accountability and government oversight.

Okenile made the call in a public statement, arguing that while the ongoing criminal proceedings against Adeniyi Adeyemi will determine the defendant’s legal responsibility, the matter also presents an opportunity to examine the effectiveness of public institutions in preventing alleged abuse of government processes.

The Federal Government has charged Adeyemi with offences including alleged forgery, impersonation and related crimes. The defendant has, however, denied the allegations and maintained that he would establish his innocence before the court. The case is currently before the court.

According to Okenile, the criminal trial should not overshadow what he described as legitimate public concerns over how an alleged non-existent government body was able to gain public attention before authorities intervened.

He said that if the Presidency’s position is that the PFIPC never existed as an official government agency, Nigerians deserve an explanation about how an alleged fictitious body was able to circulate official-looking documents and allegedly carry out activities that attracted national attention.

“The courts will determine the criminal liability of the accused, but the controversy has also placed Nigeria’s public institutions under scrutiny,” he said.

Okenile maintained that asking such questions should not be seen as an attack on the government but as a legitimate demand for accountability in a constitutional democracy. He argued that governments are assessed not only by how they prosecute alleged offenders but also by how effectively they prevent institutional failures.

He added that the controversy has reinforced concerns among many Nigerians that government institutions often respond only after public confidence has been shaken, stressing that transparency remains critical to restoring trust.

The lawyer noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office with promises of strengthening institutions, improving governance and promoting transparency, adding that controversies such as the PFIPC matter inevitably test those commitments.

He called for a transparent and independent review of the circumstances surrounding the alleged operations of the PFIPC, including an assessment of existing oversight mechanisms and any institutional weaknesses that may have contributed to the controversy.

According to him, where credible evidence establishes misconduct by any public official, accountability should follow without fear or favour, while any systemic deficiencies identified through such a review should be addressed through meaningful reforms.

Okenile further argued that the issue should not be viewed through a partisan lens, saying accountability strengthens democracy regardless of which political party is in power. He said governments inspire public confidence not merely through official assurances but by demonstrating that institutions function effectively.

He concluded that while the rule of law requires that the accused be given a fair trial, democratic governance also demands openness and accountability from public institutions. According to him, justice and accountability are complementary principles that remain essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and maintaining public trust.