Just In: Tinubu directs ICPC to investigate alleged fake PFIPC, order reported within 30 days

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) to launch a full-scale investigation into the activities of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the body as an unknown entity to the Federal Government.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tuesday, who said the anti-graft agency was mandated to complete its investigation and submit its findings to the Presidency within 30 days.

According to the Presidency, the investigation became necessary after it was determined that the council had no legal basis or official recognition within the Federal Government.

“The directive follows the discovery of a fictitious PFIPC, which was never established by the Federal Government of Nigeria and has no basis in any statute, presidential instrument, executive agreement, or other lawful act of the Government,” the statement read.

The Presidency alleged that Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely declared himself to be the Director General of the council and claimed to have been appointed by the President.

It said that the ICPC investigation would cover a series of allegations, including the alleged creation and use of fake government documents, the presentation of fake presidential appointments to gain official recognition and diplomatic favors, including visa facilitation, as well as the alleged opening of several bank accounts in the names of government agencies using fake documentation.

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Among the matters that need to be investigated are “false letters of appointment and other official government documents; the use of false claims of presidential appointment to seek or obtain official recognition and diplomatic favors, including visa facilities; and the opening of several bank accounts in the names of government agencies allegedly using allegedly forged documents.”

The statement added that the President’s directive not only covers the activities of the main suspect, but also includes all people who may have played a role in the alleged operation.

“The investigation was conducted to examine the origin and use of forged official documents; the process by which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought or obtained; the opening and operation of the relevant bank accounts; the source and movement of funds involved; and the role of public officials, private individuals, financial institutions, intermediaries or other persons or entities who may have facilitated, enabled or participated in the alleged scheme,” it said.

President Tinubu also instructed the commission to identify loopholes in the governance system that may have been exploited and recommend reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

Additionally, he directed all ministries, departments and agencies in the Federal Government to cooperate fully in the investigation by providing any relevant information or support required by the ICPC.

Stressing the importance of protecting the credibility of public institutions, the Presidency said, “The integrity of the Presidency and of Federal Government institutions must be protected from impersonation, forgery, misuse of official identity and exploitation of weaknesses in the public service.”

The president further ordered “that all persons found guilty be treated strictly in accordance with applicable law.”

The directive follows allegations made by Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew during a press conference on June 25. Adeyemi, who is currently facing criminal charges for his alleged involvement in running what the Presidency described as a fictitious council, accused the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of demanding 48 per cent of the N27.4 billion take-off grant the council acknowledged, an amount he estimated at about N12.5 billion.

He also alleged that Gbajabiamila received N400 million through his proxies in connection with appointments linked to the said entities, abused his position, intimidated individuals and media organisations, manipulated the budget process, attempted to deploy security agencies for improper purposes and participated in efforts to conceal the alleged activities.

Gbajabiamila rejected all the accusations. Through his lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, he stated that he had never met or communicated with Adeyemi and warned that he would file a N10 billion defamation suit over allegations linking him to bribery, murder and other criminal offences.