EX-GUBER ASPIRANT DEMANDS PROBE INTO FAKE FEDERAL AGENCY SCANDAL

A former Coordinator of the Peter Obi 2023 presidential campaign and Imo State governorship aspirant, Hon. Chief Ifeanyi Thaddeus Ezeagu, has called for a transparent, independent and comprehensive investigation into the alleged fake federal agency scandal that has sparked national concern.

Ezeagu, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council has exposed the serious gaps in Nigeria’s public administration and accountability system, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know how a non-existent agency allegedly secured official recognition, office space and a budgetary allocation before it was uncovered.

The Sokoto-based businessman who was a gubernatorial aspirant in Imo State during the recent party primaries welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter within 30 days but stressed that the probe must be transparent, impartial and free from political interference.

According to him, the outcome of the investigation should not only identify those directly involved but also expose any institutional failures or collaborators that enabled the alleged fraud.

“The integrity of public institutions is fundamental to democracy. Nigerians must be assured that no one is above the law and that every individual or institution found culpable will be held accountable, regardless of status or political affiliation,” Ezeagu said.

He noted that the allegations had raised legitimate public concerns about due process in government appointments, budget preparation and the management of public institutions, urging investigators to publish their findings to restore citizens’ confidence in governance.

Ezeagu pointed out that the scandal should serve as a wake-up call for government to strengthen internal control mechanisms, improve verification processes and digitise institutional records to prevent similar occurrences.

He also urged anti-corruption agencies, the National Assembly and relevant oversight institutions to work collaboratively in ensuring that the investigation is credible and that any loopholes exposed are permanently addressed.

“The fight against corruption must be consistent and 3s say in nginstitutional. This is an opportunity to strengthen transparency, reinforce accountability and reassure Nigerians that public resources are protected,” he added.

The governorship hopeful maintained that the country only needs to experience accountable governance to ensure it

 restores public trust and attract meaningful investment.

He further called on the citizens and civil society organisations to continue demanding integrity in public service.

The fake agency controversy has generated widespread public debate after reports alleged that the purported PFIPC, which the Presidency said was never legally established, was listed in the 2026 budget and allegedly obtained official documentation before the matter came to light.