Politics
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 Federal Government.
The President 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 said Matthew also falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.
It said the ICPC would investigate the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other government documents linked to the fake council.
The commission will also probe allegations that the suspect used the false presidential appointment to seek official recognition, diplomatic support and visa facilitation.
The investigation will further examine the alleged opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using forged documents.
Tinubu directed the commission to investigate not only the principal suspect and collaborators but also the circumstances that allowed the fictitious body to appear legitimate.
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.
It will also investigate the source and movement of any funds connected with the alleged scheme.
The President directed the commission to determine whether any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions or intermediaries facilitated or participated in the activities.
He also instructed the ICPC to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have been exploited and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences.
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.
The President said the integrity of the Presidency and government institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery and abuse of official identity.
He also directed that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
F.O
Tags: Fake presidential council ICPC Probe