Fresh controversy has emerged over the Federal Government’s handling of the alleged N27.4 billion Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal.
The debate has intensified following renewed calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the activities of the disputed council.
The Presidency had directed security and anti-corruption agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute any government officials found to have collaborated with the alleged operator of the council, Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi.
While the directive has been presented as a move to ensure accountability, critics argue that the investigation has exposed concerns about ethnic representation in key federal institutions.
They point out that President Bola Tinubu, who ordered the probe, and several top officials connected with the investigation are of Yoruba origin.
Among those mentioned are the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, who announced the investigation, and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, whose name appeared in discussions surrounding the controversy.
Critics also note that the heads of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are all Yoruba.
They further argue that any prosecution would be supervised by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), while legal guidance could involve the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), who are also Yoruba.
Some observers have also pointed to the judiciary, noting that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is Yoruba.
According to the critics, the concentration of key offices in the hands of officials from one ethnic group raises concerns about compliance with the constitutional principle of Federal Character.
They argue that public confidence in the outcome of the investigation could be affected by perceptions of imbalance, regardless of the integrity of the institutions involved.
The development has reignited a wider national debate on inclusiveness, equity and fairness in federal appointments.
The Federal Government has yet to officially respond to the latest criticisms, while the investigation into the PFIPC allegations continues.
