Amanze Chinonye
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a fictitious organisation operating as the “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC), with a mandate to conclude its probe and submit a report within 30 days, Prime Business Africa reports.
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The President also ordered that anyone found culpable be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who clarified that the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no legal backing through legislation, an executive order or presidential approval.
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According to the statement, one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the non-existent council, claiming to be a presidential appointee.
Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the alleged use of forged appointment letters and other counterfeit government documents reportedly used to give legitimacy to the fraudulent organisation.
The anti-corruption agency is also expected to determine how the group allegedly leveraged false claims of presidential backing to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support, visa facilitation and the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using forged documents.
Beyond the principal suspect, the President instructed the commission to unravel the wider network behind the alleged scheme, including individuals and organisations that may have facilitated its operations.
The investigation will examine the origin and circulation of forged official documents, attempts to secure official recognition or diplomatic assistance, the operation of related bank accounts, the sources and movement of funds linked to the alleged fraud, and the roles played by any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or intermediaries.
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Tinubu also directed the ICPC to identify institutional and procedural weaknesses that may have enabled the alleged fraud and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
To support the investigation, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been instructed to cooperate fully with the commission by providing all relevant information and records upon request.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting the integrity of public institutions, the President stressed that the Presidency and other government institutions must be safeguarded against impersonation, forgery, the abuse of official identity and other fraudulent activities.
The directive underscores the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen institutional safeguards, close procedural loopholes and hold accountable anyone who exploits the authority of the Presidency or government institutions for personal gain.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
