Tinubu Orders PFIPC Probe, Gives Deadline

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and submit its report within 30 days.

The directive was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the Presidency, the investigation became necessary after it was discovered that the PFIPC was never created by the Federal Government and has no legal backing, presidential approval or any official instrument establishing it.

The statement said Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the organisation and falsely claimed to have been appointed by the President.

Tinubu instructed the ICPC to investigate the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other official government documents linked to the case.

The commission is also expected to examine claims that a false presidential appointment was used to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support and visa-related assistance.

The investigation will further cover the opening and operation of bank accounts in the names of supposed government agencies using documents suspected to have been forged.

The President also directed the anti-corruption agency to investigate the actions of Adeyemi and any other individuals who may have participated in or assisted the alleged scheme.

In addition, the ICPC will examine how the alleged organisation was able to appear legitimate despite having no legal status.

The probe will include the origin and use of the alleged forged documents, the process through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been obtained, the operation of any related bank accounts, the movement and source of funds connected to the matter, and the possible involvement of public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or other intermediaries.

Tinubu also instructed the commission to identify any weaknesses within government procedures that may have allowed the alleged activities to take place and to recommend measures that would prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Presidency said all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government have been directed to cooperate fully with the ICPC by providing all relevant records, information and assistance required for the investigation.

According to the statement, the President believes the integrity of the Presidency and government institutions must be protected from impersonation, document forgery, abuse of official identity and any attempt to exploit weaknesses within the public service.

The President also directed that anyone found responsible after the investigation should face the full weight of the law.