– Calls For Independent Investigations
Following the conflicting reports involving the alleged self acclaimed Director General of the now defunct Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi and the embattled Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajamaila, an Abuja based legal practitioner, Barr Uzoka Chukwuemeka, has called for an independent investigation into the matter which, according to him, has cast a dent on Nigeria’s democratic institutions and international standing.
Uzoka, in the petition captioned, “AN OPEN LETTER TO THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SERVICES (DSS), THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER, AND THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE ON THE IMPERATIVE OF AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION, WITNESS PROTECTION, AND THE SAFEGUARDING OF NIGERIA’S CONSTITUTIONAL INSTITUTIONS”, which he addressed to the Department of State Services, (DSS) the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and copied to other relevant agencies stated that, “Subject: Constitutional Appeal for an Independent Investigation into Publicly Reported Allegations Relating to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Protection of Potential Witnesses, and Preservation of Public Confidence in Nigeria’s Democratic Institutions. Your Excellencies, “Safeguarding witnesses is critical to ensuring a thorough investigation.”
I write in my capacity as a concerned citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, motivated by a profound commitment to constitutional governance, institutional integrity, transparency, and the preservation of public confidence in the Nigerian State.
This appeal is made respectfully and entirely within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the rule of law, and internationally recognized principles of accountability.
Recent public reports have raised serious questions regarding the appearance in the 2026 Federal Appropriation Act of an entity identified as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). According to these reports, the council allegedly received a budgetary allocation of approximately 1.302 billion, despite widespread assertions that it was not a lawfully established federal agency.
Public reports have further alleged that an individual identified as Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who was publicly described as the Director General of the PFIPC, allegedly operated from premises within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, conducted meetings with diplomatic representatives and government officials, and represented the entity in official capacities before investigations reportedly commenced.
It has equally been reported that concerns surrounding these developments prompted the intervention of the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, culminating in investigations by the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.
I do not present these publicly reported matters as established facts. Whether any criminal offence occurred, whether public institutions were misled, or whether any constitutional or statutory provisions were violated are questions that can only be determined through lawful, impartial, professional, and evidence based Forensic investigations conducted by competent authorities.
The gravity of these reports nevertheless raises issues extending far beyond any individual.
If an entity that lacked lawful statutory existence was capable of appearing within Nigeria’s national budget, receiving public allocations, interacting with federal institutions, or representing itself before members of the diplomatic community, then such circumstances if established through investigation would reveal vulnerabilities capable of undermining confidence in public administration, fiscal governance, institutional verification systems, and national security. Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution provides that:
“The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government”.
This constitutional obligation encompasses not only physical security but also the protection of democratic institutions, public finances, constitutional processes, and the integrity of governmental decision-making. Likewise, Sections 15(5) and 16 of the Constitution impose upon the Nigerian State an affirmative obligation to abolish corrupt practices, prevent abuse of public authority, and ensure responsible management of national resources.
Should any individual possess material information concerning the creation, operation, recognition, funding, authorization, or official interactions involving the PFIPC or any related entity, such individuals may constitute important witnesses in the public interest.
Accordingly, I respectfully urge the relevant security agencies to conduct appropriate risk assessments and, where credible threats are identified, extend lawful protection to potential witnesses whose testimony may assist ongoing or future investigations.
Justice cannot flourish where those capable of assisting lawful inquiries reasonably fear intimidation, retaliation, or harm.
Equally important is the preservation of documentary, electronic, financial, administrative, and digital evidence connected with the reported activities of the PFIPC and any associated transactions.
The confidence of citizens and indeed the confidence of Nigeria’s international partners depends upon demonstrating that allegations affecting national institutions are examined transparently, professionally, and without political interference.
As Marcus Tullius Cicero wisely observed:
“The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.”
Similarly, Louis Brandeis reminded democratic societies that:
“Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.”
And Montesquieu cautioned:
“There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of law and in the name of justice.”
History consistently demonstrates that nations strengthen not weaken their institutions when allegations are confronted through due process rather than silence.
The Presidency, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the National Assembly, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and every constitutional institution derive their legitimacy not merely from constitutional creation but from public confidence.
Transparent investigations reinforce that confidence.
Accordingly, I respectfully request that the Department of State Services, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Nigeria Police Force Conduct a comprehensive, independent, and evidence driven investigation into all publicly reported allegations concerning the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC); Determine the legal status, origin, authorization, and operational activities of the reported entity;
Establish how the reported budgetary allocation of approximately 1.302 billion was introduced into the 2026 Appropriation Act, identifying every stage of administrative, legislative, and financial approval relevant to the matter;
Identify and interview every individual possessing material information relating to the establishment, funding, recognition, or operation of the reported entity;
Preserve all documentary, electronic, financial, communication, procurement, and institutional records relevant to the investigation for forensic examination;
Assess whether any witness or cooperating individual faces credible threats to life or personal safety and provide appropriate protective measures where justified under Nigerian law; and
Upon completion of lawful investigations, communicate appropriate findings in accordance with constitutional and statutory requirements, thereby reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
This appeal is made neither to accuse nor to prejudge any individual.
It is made in defence of constitutional governance.
Nigeria’s international standing depends not upon the absence of allegations but upon the integrity, professionalism, and independence with which institutions respond to them.
An impartial investigation that follows evidence wherever it leads while protecting witnesses, respecting due process, and safeguarding the rights of every person involved will send a powerful message that Nigeria remains firmly committed to accountability, constitutional democracy, institutional transparency, and the rule of law.
Such a demonstration would strengthen public confidence, reassure development partners, reinforce investor trust, and affirm Nigeria’s enduring commitment to democratic governance before the international community. “Witness protection is essential to uncovering the truth in this investigation.”
The petition was copied to The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Abuja United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Nigeria United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Nigeria Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights African Union Commission Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission European Union Delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria Embassy of the United States of America High Commission of the United Kingdom Embassy of Canada Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Embassy of the French Republic Embassy of Japan Embassy of the People’s Republic of China High Commission of India Australian High Commission Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil High Commission of the Republic of South Africa Commonwealth Secretariat Transparency International International Bar Association International Commission of Jurists National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria Nigerian Bar Association Nigerian Guild of Editors Nigeria Union of Journalists rd.
