News Investigators/ The Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria has called for restraint and adherence to due process in addressing issues surrounding the reported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and related concerns involving government institutions.
The group made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja and signed by its Executive Director, Splendour Agbonkpolor.
Mr Agbonkpolor urged relevant authorities to allow ongoing reviews and investigations into the matter to proceed, while cautioning against reaching conclusions before official findings are made public.
He said government institutions should be allowed to perform their administrative responsibilities without undue pressure or premature judgment.
According to him, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) plays a coordinating role in government activities, including engagements with national and international stakeholders.
The group noted that governments often nominate individuals, professionals and representatives of relevant organisations to participate in international programmes that support national interests.
It cited the invitation extended to Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi to participate in the Canada-Africa Fintech Summit (CAFS), saying such engagements were part of efforts to promote economic diplomacy.
However, it stressed that participation in an international delegation does not automatically confer official recognition or establish an organisation as a government agency.
On reports relating to financial processes associated with PFIPC, the group said available information indicated that no public funds had been released to the organisation.
It added that any budgetary provisions would be subject to administrative procedures, verification and approval before disbursement.
The organisation commended the referral of the matter to relevant security and anti-corruption agencies, saying appropriate steps should be taken if any wrongdoing is established.
It cautioned against linking the actions of individuals to entire government institutions without verified evidence.
The group emphasised the need to balance accountability with allowing public officers to discharge their responsibilities.
It urged political actors, civil society organisations and the media to promote fact-based discussions and exercise restraint while reviews into the matter continue.
“Nigeria’s progress depends on strong institutions, due process and unity of purpose. We must protect all three,” the statement said.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible leadership.
NAN
