Atiku rejects Tinubu’s ICPC probe, seeks independent inquiry

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that only an independent commission of inquiry can uncover the truth behind the controversy.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the president’s decision as a reluctant but significant response to the seven-day ultimatum he earlier issued, demanding a transparent investigation into the alleged scandal.

To ensure transparency, Atiku called for the immediate establishment of a special independent commission of inquiry comprising representatives nominated by the federal government, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association, retired judicial officers, and other eminent Nigerians.

He said the commission should investigate every aspect of the PFIPC affair; review existing police findings; summon serving and former public officials where necessary; publish a White Paper; and submit its report directly to Nigerians within one month without requiring approval from any arm of government.

“That is the minimum standard of transparency Nigerians should accept. Anything less will leave the unavoidable impression that the government prefers to investigate itself behind closed doors rather than submit to genuinely independent scrutiny,” Atiku stated.

He argued that the directive to the ICPC contradicts the Presidency’s earlier position that the matter had already been thoroughly investigated by the police, with suspects arrested, evidence recovered and criminal charges filed before the Federal High Court.

“If the police investigation was comprehensive, another investigation is unnecessary. If another investigation has become necessary, then the inevitable conclusion is that the earlier investigation was insufficient,” Atiku said.

According to him, the President’s order directing the ICPC to investigate the “wider circumstances” surrounding the alleged PFIPC also undermines the government’s earlier claim that the affair was merely the handiwork of a lone imposter.

“The issue is how an organisation the Presidency insists never existed allegedly acquired office accommodation, interacted with government institutions, sought diplomatic recognition, reportedly conducted recruitment exercises, operated multiple bank accounts and projected the authority of government over an extended period,” he said.

Atiku also questioned the 30-day timeline given to the anti-corruption agency, arguing that if the case had already been investigated, Nigerians should receive answers within days rather than wait another month.