NIGERIA: Tinubu Orders ICPC To Probe Fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council

By Onoja Baba

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of a purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the body as fictitious and unknown to the Federal Government.

The President ordered the anti corruption agency to conclude its investigation within 30 days and submit a comprehensive report.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the directive followed the discovery that the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no legal basis, presidential approval, executive instrument or any other lawful backing.

The statement alleged that one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director General of the so called council and claimed to be a presidential appointee.

President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other official government documents, the use of a false claim of presidential appointment to obtain official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation, as well as the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.

The President also ordered the commission to investigate the roles of other collaborators and determine how the fictitious organisation was able to create an appearance of legitimacy.

According to the statement, the investigation will examine the origin and use of forged official documents, the processes through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought or obtained, the opening and operation of related bank accounts, the source and movement of funds, and the involvement of any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or intermediaries connected to the alleged scheme.

Tinubu further instructed the ICPC to identify weaknesses in government and institutional procedures that may have been exploited and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

He also directed all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to cooperate fully with the commission by providing all relevant information, records and assistance required for the timely completion of the investigation.

The President stressed that the integrity of the Presidency and federal institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and exploitation of weaknesses within the public service.

He added that anyone found culpable should be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.