By Hassan Turaki.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to investigate a fictitious body parading itself as the “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council,” PFIPC.
In a directive issued on Monday, the President gave the ICPC 30 days to conclude the investigation and submit a comprehensive report.
The order followed the discovery of the so-called PFIPC, which the Presidency said was never created by the Federal Government and has no backing in any law, executive approval, or presidential instrument.
According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew presented himself as the Director-General of the fake council and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.
The ICPC has been mandated to probe several allegations, including:
- Forged appointment letters and other fake government documents
- Use of false presidential claims to seek official recognition, diplomatic support, and visa facilitation
- Opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies with allegedly forged documents
President Tinubu also directed the Commission to investigate the broader circumstances that allowed the fake body to appear legitimate. The probe will cover the source and use of false documents, how official recognition may have been obtained, movement of funds, and the role of any public officers, private individuals, financial institutions, or intermediaries involved.
In addition, the ICPC is to identify weaknesses in government procedures that were exploited and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
All ministries, departments and agencies have been directed to provide the Commission with any information, records, and assistance needed to fast-track the investigation.
“The integrity of the Presidency and the institutions of the Federal Government must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and the exploitation of weaknesses in the public service,” the President stated.
He further directed that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
