Tinubu orders ICPC to probe fake Presidential council, gives 30-day deadline

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to launch a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, describing it as a fictitious body with no legal backing or presidential approval.

The President also directed the anti-corruption agency to conclude its investigation within 30 days and submit a comprehensive report to him.

The directive followed what the Presidency described as the discovery that the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and had no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval or any other lawful act of government.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council and claimed to be a presidential appointee.

The statement said the investigation would cover allegations relating to forged appointment letters and other official government documents allegedly used to confer legitimacy on the non-existent agency.

It said the ICPC would also investigate claims that the false presidential appointment was used to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support and visa facilitation.

The commission is further expected to probe the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.

President Tinubu directed the ICPC to extend its investigation beyond the principal suspect to include all collaborators and examine the circumstances that enabled the fictitious council to operate as though it were an official government institution.

According to the Presidency, the investigation will examine the origin and use of forged official documents, the processes through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought or obtained, the opening and operation of related bank accounts, and the source and movement of any funds linked to the alleged scheme.

The anti-graft agency was also mandated to investigate the role of any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions, intermediaries or organisations that may have facilitated or participated in the activities of the fake council.

Tinubu further directed the commission to identify loopholes within government institutions that may have been exploited and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The President also instructed all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to cooperate fully with the ICPC by providing all relevant records and information required for the investigation.

“The integrity of the Presidency and the institutions of the Federal Government must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and the exploitation of weaknesses in the public service,” the statement quoted the President as saying.

Tinubu also directed that all persons found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.

The presidential directive comes amid growing controversy over the activities of the purported council and allegations surrounding its operations.