By Mary Onyia
President Bola 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, describing it as a fictitious body with no legal backing. The President ordered the anti-graft agency to conclude its investigation within 30 days and submit a comprehensive report.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the directive followed the discovery that the PFIPC “was never established by the Federal Government of Nigeria and has no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or other lawful act of Government.” He added that one Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council and claimed to be a presidential appointee. The ICPC is to investigate alleged forged appointment letters, fake government documents, the use of the false presidential claim to obtain official recognition and visa support, as well as the opening of bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies.
According to the Presidency, the probe will also examine the source and movement of funds linked to the alleged scheme, identify any public or private individuals who may have facilitated it, and recommend measures to prevent similar abuses. Tinubu stressed that “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,” directing all ministries, departments and agencies to cooperate fully with the ICPC.
The scandal came to light after government authorities uncovered evidence suggesting that the purported council had been operating while falsely presenting itself as an official presidential body. The case has raised concerns over possible lapses in document verification, institutional oversight and inter-agency coordination. If the allegations are confirmed, the findings could prompt tighter controls on government appointments, official documentation, and the processes through which individuals obtain recognition or represent the Federal Government, with the aim of strengthening public confidence in state institutions.