President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the body as a fictitious organisation with no legal backing. He also ordered the anti-graft agency to submit its findings within 30 days.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the probe will focus on allegations that one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC using forged appointment letters and other official government documents.
Investigators are also expected to examine claims that the fake presidential appointment was used to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support, including visa facilitation, and open bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies.
President Tinubu further directed the ICPC to identify all individuals and institutions that may have aided the alleged scheme, trace the movement of any funds involved, and uncover loopholes in government procedures that allowed the fictitious body to appear legitimate. He instructed all ministries, departments and agencies to cooperate fully with the investigation by providing all relevant documents and information.
The President stressed that the integrity of the Presidency and government institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery and abuse of official identity. He also ordered that anyone found culpable at the end of the investigation should face the full weight of the law.
