Why Lawmakers Can’t Intervene in PFIPC Budget Scandal — Senate

The Senate has explained why it cannot intervene in the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, insisting that no formal petition has been submitted to the National Assembly and that the matter is already before the courts.

The clarification follows increasing public scrutiny over the agency’s reported N1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act and allegations involving its embattled Director General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi.

Speaking with journalists after Tuesday’s plenary, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, acknowledged that the PFIPC has a budgetary allocation in the 2026 budget.

However, he maintained that the Senate has no legal basis to investigate the issue because no petition has been presented before the Red Chamber by any individual or organisation.

Adaramodu also noted that the controversy has become sub judice since it is already before the courts, making it inappropriate for lawmakers to comment on or interfere with the proceedings.

According to him, the dispute falls within the executive arm of government and should be resolved through the appropriate executive and judicial processes.

He stated that the allegations and counter allegations involving the agency and its purported Director General are matters for the executive, particularly between the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President and the individual claiming to head the council.

The senator further dismissed suggestions that the National Assembly created or inserted the agency into the national budget.

He stressed that lawmakers are not responsible for conducting security or background checks on individuals appointed to head ministries, departments and agencies of government.

Adaramodu explained that the Senate would only have a direct role if the individual involved had been among presidential nominees requiring legislative screening and confirmation.

He said such a circumstance could have established a clearer connection between the controversy and the National Assembly.

The PFIPC has remained at the centre of public debate following claims that it received more than N1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act despite questions over its legal status.

The matter is also the subject of ongoing criminal proceedings involving Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who faces allegations relating to forgery and impersonation.

The Presidency has consistently maintained that the council does not exist as a legitimate government agency, while court proceedings on the matter are continuing.