PFIPC Scandal: Atiku Demands Names Of Government Officials Allegedly Involved

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called for the identities of public officials allegedly linked to the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) to be disclosed.

Atiku said the interim report of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) raised more questions about the matter, particularly regarding possible negligence or collusion within government institutions.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned how the alleged activities could have taken place without the involvement or negligence of some public officials.

He asked who may have granted access to government facilities, recognised the alleged head of the organisation or enabled the activities to continue within government structures.

Atiku cited allegations against the central figure in the controversy, Adeniyi Adeyemi, who investigators reportedly accused of forging a presidential appointment letter and operating a fictitious federal agency.

He further referenced claims that instruments linked to the former Presidential Economic Advisory Council were allegedly used, while bank accounts were reportedly opened with forged documents and two additional fictitious agencies were created.

According to Atiku, the allegations make it necessary to establish whether any public officers facilitated or enabled the alleged activities.

He said, “A fake agency does not walk into government offices by itself. A forged appointment letter does not validate itself. Bank accounts do not open themselves.”

Atiku also accused the ICPC interim report of failing to disclose the identities of officials allegedly connected to the matter.

He argued that an interim report should not be interpreted as a final clearance for government institutions while investigations into alleged collaborators and related accounts remain ongoing.

Atiku Demands Live National Assembly Hearing

The former Vice President also called for an open investigation by the National Assembly, including a live broadcast of proceedings.

He said Adeyemi should be allowed to appear before lawmakers and testify publicly if he was willing to do so.

Atiku urged the National Assembly to conduct a transparent hearing where witnesses could answer questions under oath and relevant evidence could be examined publicly.

He also called for the publication of the complete ICPC report and the disclosure of the names of public officers found culpable of negligence or misconduct.

According to him, only a transparent investigation would address concerns that politically exposed persons or senior government officials could be shielded from accountability.

Atiku maintained that the investigation should remain open and transparent regardless of where the trail leads, including into the corridors of government.