PFIPC Budget Controversy: Ondo Scholars Urge President Tinubu to Order Independent Investigation into Alleged ₦1.3 Billion Allocation
The Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative has issued an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, respectfully calling for a transparent and independent investigation into the allegations surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and the reported ₦1.3 billion budget allocation. The organisation says a credible investigation is necessary to strengthen public confidence, uphold accountability, and reinforce the administration’s commitment to good governance and the rule of law.
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An Open Letter to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
A Call for a Thorough Investigation into the Allegations Surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and the Reported ₦1.3 Billion Budget Allocation
Your Excellency,
On behalf of the Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative, a Corporate Affairs Commission registered socio-intellectual organisation with a membership of over 10,000 distinguished scholars and professionals spread across the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State, we respectfully write to draw your attention to an issue that has generated widespread public concern.
Our organisation is made up of professors, lawyers, engineers, medical practitioners, accountants, entrepreneurs, academics, researchers, public policy experts and other accomplished professionals who are united by one objective: promoting good governance, accountability, sustainable development and responsible leadership in Ondo State and Nigeria.
Over the past three days, members of our organisation have extensively deliberated on the allegations involving the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and reports alleging that a purportedly fake government agency was allocated ₦1.3 billion in the Federal Budget. While we recognise that these allegations remain unproven, we believe they raise questions serious enough to warrant an independent, transparent and comprehensive investigation
Your Excellency, corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s economic growth and national development. For decades, public funds meant for education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, security and youth development have allegedly been diverted through various forms of financial misconduct. The consequences are visible everywhere, rising unemployment, deteriorating public infrastructure, increasing debt, poor public services, inflation and the painful reality that millions of Nigerians now live in multidimensional poverty.
At a time when countless Nigerian families struggle daily to afford food, healthcare, quality education and decent housing, reports suggesting possible financial irregularities involving public funds naturally provoke anxiety among citizens. Such allegations, whether eventually proven or disproven, deserve prompt and impartial investigation in order to protect public confidence in government institutions.
Your Excellency, we respectfully urge you to constitute a high-powered Special Presidential Investigative Committee comprising credible professionals with unquestionable integrity to examine every aspect of these allegations. Such a committee should work independently and without political interference.
Furthermore, we respectfully call upon all relevant anti corruption and accountability institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Code of Conduct Bureau, the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation and other appropriate oversight bodies to collaborate fully in ensuring that every allegation is professionally investigated.
If any individual or group is found culpable after due process, we strongly believe that such persons should face the full weight of the law, irrespective of political affiliation, social status or position in government. Equally, if the allegations are found to be false, the findings should be made public so that innocent individuals and institutions are not unfairly maligned.
Transparency and accountability are indispensable pillars of democratic governance. Governments earn and sustain public trust not merely through promises but through openness, responsiveness and a demonstrated commitment to justice.
We wish to state unequivocally that this letter is not an attack on your administration. On the contrary, members of our organisation acknowledge your stated commitment to rebuilding Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Agenda. We recognise your vision for economic recovery, infrastructure development, investment promotion, security improvement and institutional reforms.
However, no reform agenda can achieve lasting success if individuals who undermine public confidence through alleged corruption are not identified and held accountable. Every administration is only as strong as the integrity of those entrusted with implementing its policies.
Your Excellency, Nigeria’s image before the international community is closely tied to how allegations of corruption are handled. Investors, development partners, international financial institutions and diplomatic allies closely monitor our commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law. Prompt and credible action on matters of public concern strengthens confidence in our democratic institutions and reinforces Nigeria’s standing among the comity of nations.
It is deeply disturbing that allegations involving fake agencies and questionable budgetary allocations continue to emerge in public discourse. Whether isolated or systemic, such reports call for a broader review of government agencies, ministries, departments and parastatals to ensure that public resources are managed efficiently, lawfully and transparently.
Our organisation respectfully recommends that your administration undertake a comprehensive audit of relevant government institutions to identify weaknesses in budget implementation, financial oversight and institutional accountability. Preventive reforms are just as important as prosecuting wrongdoing.
The Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative stands ready to contribute constructively to this national effort. Within our membership are highly qualified forensic auditors, investigators, lawyers, accountants, public finance experts, economists, governance specialists and policy analysts who are willing to support national efforts aimed at strengthening transparency and institutional integrity whenever called upon within the framework of the law.
Your Excellency, history remembers leaders not only for the policies they introduce but also for the courage they demonstrate in confronting corruption wherever it exists. We therefore respectfully urge you to seize this opportunity to reassure Nigerians that no allegation involving public funds will be ignored and that every public official remains accountable under your administration.
We respectfully request that the outcome of any investigation be made available to Nigerians in the interest of transparency, justice and public confidence.
As patriotic citizens committed to nation-building, we remain hopeful that your administration will continue to pursue reforms that promote accountability, strengthen institutions, protect public resources and improve the welfare of every Nigerian.
May your administration continue to be guided by wisdom, courage, fairness and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem.
Yours faithfully,
Signed,
Omoyoloye Oloruntimilehin Julius General Secretary.
Odofin Oluwafemi O (C-Banking) Convener – Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative.
E-mail: Ondostatescholarsarena@gmail.com