Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, raises concerns about the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) following the agency’s alleged funding irregularities. Speaking on Arise Television’s “Prime Time” on Monday, Lawal questions how budgetary allocations were approved for what critics describe as a “fake” or non-existent agency, arguing that agencies typically defend their budgets and that funds should not be appropriated without a legal basis. He says budget proposals must originate from the executive, then be processed through the Accountant-General of the Federation and the legislature.
Lawal also suggests there may be an “institutional compromise” and a “big racket” connected to the PFIPC arrangement. The PFIPC scandal stems from allegations by the council’s Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, who accuses President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, of receiving ₦400 million through a proxy and demanding an additional ₦200 million for appointment-related influence. The presidency denies the allegations, stating Gbajabiamila lacks authority to issue appointments or write letters.
Lawal’s comments add to calls for accountability and scrutiny of the PFIPC’s budget coding and legal standing.
