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.
