By Oluchi Jacinta Okorie, state house
Tinubu cracks down on phantom presidential council
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a purported “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC), which the Federal Government says was never established.
The President ordered the anti-corruption agency to conclude the investigation and submit a detailed report to him within 30 days.
The directive followed the discovery of the alleged fake council, which reportedly had no legal foundation, presidential approval, executive directive or any official recognition from the Nigerian government.
According to the Presidency, one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly posed as the Director-General of the body and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.
The ICPC has been mandated to investigate the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other government documents, as well as claims that the fake appointment was used to secure official recognition, diplomatic assistance and visa-related support.
The commission will also probe the reported opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of supposed government agencies using allegedly fraudulent documents.
President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate not only the individuals allegedly involved but also the broader circumstances that enabled the fake organisation to operate and gain public credibility.
The investigation will examine the source and use of the alleged forged documents, the process through which recognition or support was obtained, the operation of related bank accounts, the movement of funds and the possible involvement of government officials, private individuals, financial institutions or other intermediaries.
The President also asked the commission to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have been exploited and recommend urgent steps to prevent similar incidents.
All ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government have been directed to provide the ICPC with necessary records, information and support required to complete the probe.
Tinubu said the integrity of the Presidency and government institutions must be protected from impersonation, forgery and abuse of official identity.
He ordered that anyone found responsible for the alleged misconduct should be dealt with according to the law.
