Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The directive followed the discovery that the PFIPC was a fictitious body with no legal backing, presidential approval or official establishment by the Nigerian government.
Tinubu also ordered the ICPC to conclude the investigation within 30 days and submit a comprehensive report to him.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC.
The statement stated Matthew also falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee and that the ICPC would investigate the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other government documents linked to the fake council.
According to reports, Matthew who is being sought by the police, has gone into hiding denying any wrongdoing.
He has reportedly vowed to appear in court to defending his integrity.
The statement frm the presidential avdiser said that the commission would also probe allegations that the suspect used the false presidential appointment to seek official recognition, diplomatic support and visa facilitation.
According to the statement, the investigation will further examine the alleged opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using forged documents and directed the commission to investigate not only the principal suspect and collaborators, but also the circumstances that allowed the fictitious body to appear legitimate.
It added that the probe will cover the origin and use of forged official documents, the processes through which recognition or diplomatic support was sought or obtained and the operation of related bank accounts as well as investigate the source and movement of any funds connected with the alleged scheme.
The President, according to the statement, directed the commission to determine whether any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or intermediaries facilitated or participated in the activities.
President Tinubu also instructed the ICPC to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have been exploited and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences.
The statement added that President Tinubu directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to cooperate fully with the commission by providing all relevant records and information required for the investigation.
According to President Tinubu, the integrity of the Presidency and government institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery and abuse of official identity and that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
GIK/APA