President Bola 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).
Tinubu ordered the anti-corruption agency to conclude its investigation and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the directive followed the discovery that the Federal Government never established the so-called PFIPC and that it has no legal basis, presidential approval or executive authorisation.
The presidency accused one Adeniyi Adeyemi of falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of the council and falsely claiming to be a presidential appointee.
The PFIPC came under scrutiny after the presidency disowned it in June.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, had issued a disclaimer stating that the council was never established by the Federal Government and that no appointment had been made under its name.
This followed allegations that the purported council operated for months using forged documents while claiming presidential backing.
Adeyemi had reportedly accused Gbajabiamila of collecting about N400m through a proxy to facilitate his “appointment” and subsequently demanded another N200m.
Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate allegations involving forged appointment letters and other official government documents, the use of a false presidential appointment to obtain official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation, and the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.
The President also directed the commission to investigate the circumstances that allowed the fictitious organisation and the false claims of presidential appointment to appear legitimate.
According to the statement, the probe will examine the origin and use of the forged documents, how 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 linked to the alleged scheme.
Tinubu further directed the ICPC to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have been exploited and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
He also instructed all federal ministries, departments and agencies to cooperate fully with the commission by providing all relevant records and information required for the investigation.
(The Whistler)