The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the move as a “political smokescreen” rather than a genuine anti-corruption exercise.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, HURIWA alleged that the investigation had been compromised by the President’s public comments dismissing allegations against his Chief of Staff, **Femi Gbajabiamila>, before the anti-graft agency commenced its probe.
Signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group argued that such remarks created the impression that some individuals had already been cleared before investigators examined the available evidence.
HURIWA stressed that it was not declaring Gbajabiamila guilty of any wrongdoing but maintained that, as one of the persons publicly mentioned in connection with the controversy, any allegations involving him deserved an impartial, evidence-based investigation.
According to the organisation, the Presidency should allow investigators to determine the facts rather than make statements that could be interpreted as prejudging the outcome of the probe.
The rights group also expressed concern over the 30-day deadline reportedly given to the ICPC, arguing that it could fuel public suspicion that the investigation was designed to produce a politically convenient outcome instead of thoroughly examining how the alleged PFIPC operated, sought official recognition and generated nationwide controversy.
HURIWA further questioned how what has been described as a non-existent agency could allegedly circulate official documents, engage public institutions and attract national attention without possible institutional failures or the involvement of public officials.
The association insisted that the investigation should extend beyond the alleged impersonator to determine whether any government officials or influential individuals knowingly or unknowingly facilitated the activities under scrutiny.
It warned that any investigation perceived as selective or politically influenced could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions and the administration’s commitment to accountability.
The group called on the ICPC to investigate every individual whose name has surfaced in connection with the PFIPC controversy without fear or favour, insisting that only an independent, evidence-driven process would command public confidence.
The Presidency and the ICPC had not responded to HURIWA’s latest statement as of the time of filing this report.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
