Pressure is mounting on the Federal Government over the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFICP), as prominent Nigerians, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), have called for an independent investigation into the scandal.

The critics argued that the government has serious questions to answer after a council previously described by the Presidency as non-existent was reportedly allocated ₦24 billion in the 2026 national budget. They also demanded that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, step aside to allow for a transparent and credible investigation into the allegations.

The controversy began after the Presidency distanced itself from Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the PFICP and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC). The Presidency maintained that both bodies did not exist and stated that Adeyemi had been charged with forgery, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretence. Adeyemi, however, denied the allegations and insisted he was legitimately appointed, calling for an independent panel to investigate the matter.

Falana argued that, in the interest of transparency and public confidence, all allegations surrounding the controversial agency should be independently investigated. Atiku and other opposition figures also called for a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the agency’s operations and its inclusion in the national budget.

The controversy has further intensified public debate over transparency, accountability, and oversight in government institutions, with several civil society organisations urging the authorities to fully investigate the matter and make the findings public.