PFIPC Scandal Has Nothing To Do With APC – Oshiomhole

According to Ireporter Online, Oshiomhole made the remarks during an interview on TVC News’ Beyond the Headline, where he addressed concerns surrounding the reported ₦1.3 billion budgetary allocation for the PFIPC, an agency alleged not to have been legally established.

The former Edo State governor maintained that the controversy should not be used as a political tool against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), urging opposition parties and the public to approach the matter objectively rather than turning it into a partisan dispute.

Oshiomhole stressed that the primary concern was not whether the funds were eventually released, but why the allocation appeared in the national budget in the first place. He argued that every provision contained in an appropriation law must comply with legal requirements and reflect government priorities duly approved by the executive and the legislature.

His comments come after the Budget Office of the Federation clarified that no funds were disbursed to the PFIPC because the agency had not obtained the necessary approvals to begin operations.

The senator explained that while it is common for some approved budgetary allocations to remain unreleased due to revenue limitations or changing government priorities, every item included in the budget must have a lawful basis.

Describing the situation as concerning, Oshiomhole nevertheless rejected suggestions that the National Assembly failed in its oversight role during the budget approval process.

He noted that the House of Representatives had already initiated an investigation into the matter, adding that under Nigeria’s bicameral legislative system, an inquiry by one chamber is sufficient while the investigation is ongoing.