A House of Representatives committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has expressed alarm regarding documents that identify President Bola Tinubu and high-ranking officials as board members of the organization. Yusuf Gagdi, the committee chairman, highlighted these concerns during a hearing involving Shehu Mohammed, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The inquiry focused on why the FRSC issued seven official vehicle number plates to the PFIPC despite clear documentation inconsistencies. The alleged board list submitted by the organization included prominent figures such as George Akume, Nyesom Wike, and several other cabinet ministers. Gagdi argued that the FRSC should have exercised greater caution and verified the organization’s status with the Presidency rather than accepting documents lacking standard government security features.
In his defense, Mohammed stated that the FRSC adhered to standard procedures. He noted that the organization utilized a federal government domain website and maintained an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, which misled officials into believing the group was legitimate. Once the deception was uncovered, the FRSC initiated a recovery process for the issued plates and updated its verification protocols.
This scrutiny follows an Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) investigation into Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, who allegedly operated the fake council. While the ICPC exonerated the Presidency and the Central Bank of Nigeria, it identified significant lapses within various government ministries and agencies. Furthermore, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, has officially denied claims by Adeniyi that he was responsible for the organization’s appointment letters.
