The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee probing the activities of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) on Thursday uncovered a document that allegedly listed President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of the council.
The document was presented as part of an application submitted to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for the issuance of official government number plates to vehicles used by the organisation.
Lawmakers were told that the same document also named the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) as Secretary of the council, while several serving ministers were listed as members.
The document came to light during the committee’s resumed investigative hearing in Abuja, where the Corps Marshal of the FRSC appeared before lawmakers to explain how official Federal Government number plates were issued to vehicles linked to the PFIPC.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, questioned the process that led to the approval of the application, expressing concern over the authenticity of the documents submitted by the organisation.
He said it was surprising that the FRSC accepted a document bearing the names of the President, the SGF and members of the Federal Executive Council without carrying out further verification.
According to Gagdi, the mandate presented to the FRSC did not contain the official State House security features normally found on genuine presidential documents.
He wondered how such a document was accepted as sufficient evidence to process and issue official government number plates.
The lawmaker said the committee would continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the approval, stressing that every institution involved in the matter would be held accountable for its actions.
The committee also recalled earlier testimony by businessman Gbenga Collins, who told lawmakers that he believed the PFIPC was a genuine Federal Government agency after seeing vehicles carrying official government number plates and security personnel attached to the organisation’s purported Director-General.
According to Collins, the official appearance of the organisation gave him confidence that it had been duly established and recognised by the Federal Government.
The committee noted that the testimony formed part of the evidence it is reviewing as it seeks to establish how the council allegedly operated as though it was a legitimate government institution.
Lawmakers are investigating how the PFIPC allegedly obtained official recognition, government documents, budgetary provisions and other approvals from public agencies despite questions surrounding its legal status.
The panel is also examining the role played by various government institutions in processing requests made by the organisation and whether established procedures were followed before approvals were granted.
The hearing on Thursday focused largely on the issuance of official number plates and the documents relied upon by the FRSC before granting the request.
Members of the committee maintained that the investigation would continue until all issues surrounding the operations of the PFIPC are fully addressed.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu in July directed a full investigation into the activities of the PFIPC after the Presidency declared that the council was never established by the Federal Government.
The directive followed reports that individuals had allegedly used the name of the council to conduct official activities and interact with government institutions.
The Presidency subsequently ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter and identify everyone involved.
It said those found culpable should face the full weight of the law.
As part of the ongoing House investigation, lawmakers have invited officials from several Ministries, Departments and Agencies to explain how the organisation secured official recognition from government institutions.
More details to follow…