President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days. The order was announced in a statement by the President's spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday.
Fake Council Never Established by Government
The statement emphasized that the PFIPC was never established by the Nigerian government and has no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or other lawful act of government. One Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew had presented himself as the Director-General of the so-called council, falsely claiming to be a presidential appointee.
President Tinubu directed that all persons found culpable be treated strictly in accordance with applicable law. The investigation will focus on forged appointment letters and other official government documents, as well as the use of the purported presidential appointment to seek or obtain official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation.
Scope of Investigation
The ICPC is tasked with examining the wider circumstances that enabled a fictitious government body and a false claim of presidential appointment to gain an appearance of legitimacy. According to Onanuga, the investigation will look into the role of any public officer, private individual, financial institution, intermediary, or other entity that may have facilitated or participated in the alleged activities.
Specific issues to be investigated include: the forged appointment letters and other official documents; the use of false claims to obtain diplomatic support and visa facilitation; the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents; the source and movement of any funds involved; and any weaknesses in government procedures that may have been exploited.
Previous Developments
Premium Times had earlier reported how President Tinubu's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclaimed the agency and its purported Director General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, sparking controversy within Nigeria's public service. The police have since investigated Adeyemi and charged him to court, where he faces an eight-count charge bordering on forgery and impersonation. For each of the seven charges, he faces up to 21 years imprisonment without an option of fine, and up to three years with an option of fine in one additional charge. Adeyemi has maintained his innocence and accused Gbajabiamila of falsehood.
Government Directives
President Tinubu directed all ministries, departments, and agencies of the federal government to provide the ICPC with all relevant records and assistance required to complete the investigation promptly. The President stated that 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 ICPC is also required to recommend immediate measures to prevent the recurrence of similar abuses. The investigation must be concluded and a report submitted to the President within 30 days.
