The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Presidency of attempting to exonerate itself from the controversy surrounding the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Atiku argued that the interim report of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should not be regarded as evidence that the Presidency is innocent, insisting that the findings raised concerns about how the alleged fraud was able to operate within government structures.
He made the remarks in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
According to Atiku, the ICPC report reportedly highlighted instances of negligence and possible complicity by public officials whose actions or inactions allowed the alleged fake agency to function.
He maintained that the issue went beyond the actions of a single individual, noting that the suspect allegedly forged a presidential appointment letter, created a non-existent federal agency, gained access to government facilities and opened bank accounts using falsified legislative documents.
“If public officers were negligent, who are they? Who granted access to government offices? Who recognised this supposed Director General? Who enabled him to operate within the machinery of government?” Atiku questioned.
The former vice president said the recommendation for disciplinary action against officials whose negligence allegedly contributed to the situation showed that the matter could not simply be dismissed as the activities of a lone impostor.
He called on authorities to reveal the identities of officials allegedly involved, stating that Nigerians deserve clarity on those responsible for approving, facilitating or enabling the alleged activities.
Atiku also demanded the full release of the ICPC report, arguing that an interim report should not be used as a final confirmation of innocence while investigations into possible collaborators and linked bank accounts were still ongoing.
The ADC presidential candidate further urged the National Assembly to launch a transparent investigation into the matter and televise the proceedings live.
He said the call became more necessary after the alleged key figure in the controversy, Mr Adeyemi, reportedly expressed willingness to appear before lawmakers and testify publicly.
“If the Villa is truly clean, it should be the first to welcome live television coverage. Let Nigerians watch, unedited, as the witnesses testify, and the evidence is presented under oath,” Atiku said.
He warned that anything short of an open investigation could fuel suspicions that influential individuals were being shielded from scrutiny.
“Transparency cannot stop where the trail enters the corridors of power. The Presidency cannot investigate itself into innocence,” he added.
Atiku urged the government to allow public scrutiny of the investigation, ensure witnesses testify under oath and make the evidence available for Nigerians to assess.
BACKSTORY:
The controversy surrounding the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) emerged after reports that an individual, identified as Mr Adeyemi, allegedly operated a non-existent government agency using forged documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter.
The suspect was accused of presenting himself as the Director General of the supposed council, gaining access to government offices and conducting activities linked to the fake organisation. The development prompted an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which reportedly found cases of negligence among some public officials who allowed the alleged scheme to operate.
The Presidency had relied on the ICPC’s interim findings as part of its response to the allegations, but opposition figures, including African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, argued that the report did not completely clear the government.
Atiku insisted that the focus should not only be on the alleged impersonator but also on the government officials and systems that enabled the fake agency to function. He has called for a wider investigation, the release of the full ICPC report and a public hearing by the National Assembly.
