Senate Backs Tinubu's Probe into N1.3bn PFIPC Budget

The Nigerian Senate has decided to suspend its investigation into the N1.3 billion budget allocation for the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and instead support President Bola Tinubu's directive for the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to conduct the probe. The motion, sponsored by Senator Suleiman Kawu of the APC, raised concerns about the legitimacy of the PFIPC, which has been described as a non-existent government agency.

The Senate's decision comes amid public disputes regarding the council's operations, including claims made by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, who publicly disowned the agency. Allegations suggest that N400 million was collected for appointments related to the council, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the budget process.

The Senate emphasized that it would not intervene legislatively until the ICPC's investigation concludes, distancing itself from the controversy surrounding the PFIPC.