Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called for a live public hearing into the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal, arguing that several questions remain unanswered despite the release of an interim investigation report by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Reacting to the report through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku maintained that the findings suggest the involvement of individuals within government institutions and therefore require greater transparency.
The former vice president argued that the Presidency cannot regard the report as a complete exoneration when investigators reportedly identified negligence and procedural failures that enabled the activities of the alleged fake agency.
According to him, the central allegations involve the use of forged presidential appointment documents, the creation of a fictitious federal agency, the occupation of government offices and the establishment of additional organisations allegedly operating under false pretences.
Atiku questioned how such activities could have been sustained within government circles without assistance from public officials.
He insisted that Nigerians deserve to know the identities of individuals whose actions or omissions allegedly facilitated the operation of the organisation.
The former vice president further argued that recommendations for sanctions against certain public officers indicate that the matter extends beyond the activities of a single individual.
According to him, transparency demands that officials found culpable should be publicly identified and held accountable.
Atiku also referenced reports that the principal figure in the controversy, Adeniyi Adeyemi, has expressed willingness to testify before a National Assembly investigation in a session broadcast live to Nigerians.
He therefore urged lawmakers to convene an open public hearing where witnesses can testify under oath and respond to questions regarding the alleged activities of the organisation.
The former vice president maintained that a transparent and independent process is necessary to restore public confidence in government institutions and ensure accountability.
He also called for the publication of the full ICPC report and the disclosure of all findings relating to public officials allegedly linked to the controversy.
According to Atiku, only a comprehensive and transparent investigation can resolve lingering questions surrounding the case and reassure Nigerians that no individual or institution is shielded from scrutiny.
