Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of a purported “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC), which the government says is a fictitious organisation.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Tuesday, the President directed the ICPC to complete its investigation within 30 days and submit a comprehensive report.
The Presidency said the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no legal basis, presidential approval or executive authorisation.
The investigation centres on Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the council and falsely claimed to have been appointed by the President.
The ICPC has been tasked with investigating allegations including the forgery of appointment letters and other official government documents, the use of a false presidential appointment to seek 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.
President Tinubu also instructed the anti-corruption agency to examine the broader circumstances that allowed the fictitious organisation and the alleged false claims of presidential appointment to appear legitimate.
The inquiry will examine the origin and use of the alleged forged documents, the processes through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought or obtained, the opening and operation of related bank accounts, the source and movement of any funds, and the involvement of any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or intermediaries who may have facilitated the alleged scheme.
In addition, the President directed the ICPC to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have been exploited and to recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in future.
All federal ministries, departments and agencies have been instructed to provide the commission with any information, records and assistance required to ensure the investigation is completed promptly.
The Presidency said President Tinubu stressed the need to protect the integrity of the Presidency and federal institutions against impersonation, forgery, the misuse of official identity and the exploitation of weaknesses within the public service.
He also directed that anyone found culpable should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
