Atiku Abubakar, the presidential aspirant for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has charged the Presidency of trying to exonerate itself with the purported fraudulent Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) controversy.
Atiku asserted that the Presidency should not depend on the provisional report from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as evidence of its exoneration.
He contended that the report prompted enquiries on the manner in which the purported scam was permitted to function within governmental institutions.
He articulated the stance in a declaration released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Atiku stated that the ICPC report purportedly highlighted instances of incompetence and possible collusion by public officials in governmental procedures that let the fraudulent agency to function.
He asserted that the accusations extended beyond an individual, as the suspect was purported to have fabricated a presidential appointment letter, established a nonexistent federal agency, utilised official facilities, and opened bank accounts with counterfeit legislative documents.
Who are the public officials that exhibited negligence? Who authorised entry to governmental facilities? Who identified this alleged Director General? Who facilitated his functioning within the governmental apparatus?” Atiku enquired.
He stated that the suggested sanctions for public officials whose carelessness enabled the purported activities indicated that the issue could not merely be regarded as the actions of a solitary fraudster.
Atiku further insisted that the names of officials purportedly implicated in the procedure be disclosed.
Nigerians are entitled to understand who was responsible for each action, who granted permission, and who facilitated the circumstances that enabled this,” he stated.
The ex-vice president urged for the complete release of the ICPC findings, asserting that a preliminary report should not serve as a conclusive statement of innocence while enquiries into potential accomplices and associated bank accounts were in progress.
Atiku additionally urged the National Assembly to undertake a transparent inquiry into the incident and to transmit the proceedings in real-time.
He stated that the conversation had gained significance following Mr. Adeyemi’s alleged willingness to appear before legislators and provide public testimony.
If the Villa is genuinely pristine, it ought to be the inaugural venue for live television broadcasting. Atiku stated, ‘Allow Nigerians to observe, without alterations, the testimonies of the witnesses and the presentation of evidence under oath.’
He cautioned that a lack of transparency in the probe would heighten public scepticism over the protection of influential persons.
Transparency must not cease at the threshold of influential domains. The Presidency is incapable of exonerating itself,” stated Atiku.
He implored the government to subject the probe to public examination, place witnesses on oath, and permit Nigerians to directly access the material.