President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a purported government body known as the “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC), which the Presidency described as fictitious.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, the alleged council was never created by the Federal Government and has no legal backing, presidential approval, executive instrument, or any official foundation.
The investigation is expected to be concluded within 30 days, with the ICPC required to submit a detailed report of its findings to the President.
The Presidency said the probe followed the discovery that one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly presented himself as the Director General of the non existent council and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.
The ICPC will investigate allegations surrounding the creation and use of forged appointment letters and other government documents, as well as claims that the fake position was used to obtain official recognition, diplomatic assistance, and visa-related privileges.
The anti-corruption agency will also examine the alleged opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of supposed government agencies using questionable documents, including the source of funds, movement of money, and individuals or institutions that may have supported the operation.
President Tinubu further directed the commission to investigate whether any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions, or intermediaries played a role in giving the alleged fake organisation an appearance of legitimacy.
The Presidency said the investigation will also identify possible gaps within government procedures that may have allowed such impersonation and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
All ministries, departments, and agencies of the Federal Government have been instructed to cooperate with the ICPC by providing relevant records and information needed for the investigation.
President Tinubu reaffirmed that the credibility of the Presidency and government institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery, and misuse of official identity, adding that anyone found responsible would face the full consequences of the law.
