Formal Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a live televised investigation by the National Assembly into the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal, demanding that officials linked to the controversy be identified and held accountable.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, said Nigerians deserved to know how an alleged fake federal agency was able to operate within government structures using forged presidential and legislative documents.
He made the demand in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Atiku said the interim report of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should not be treated as a final clearance for the Presidency, particularly as the report reportedly raised concerns about negligence and possible connivance by public officials.
He questioned how the alleged impostor was able to gain access to government offices, operate as a purported Director General and open bank accounts using forged documents without detection.
“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 asked.
He urged the government to publish the full ICPC report and disclose the identities of officials whose actions or negligence may have facilitated the alleged activities.
The former vice president also called on the National Assembly to conduct an open investigation and broadcast the proceedings live, saying the process should allow witnesses to testify publicly and evidence to be examined under oath.
His call followed reports that the central figure in the controversy, identified as Mr Adeyemi, had indicated his willingness to appear before lawmakers and testify.
Atiku said a transparent legislative inquiry would help establish the facts and determine whether the alleged fraud involved only an impostor or also individuals within government institutions.
He warned that anything short of a transparent investigation could deepen public suspicion that influential individuals were being shielded.
“Transparency cannot stop where the trail enters the corridors of power. The Presidency cannot investigate itself into innocence,” he said.
