Tinubu’s directive is a necessary first step, but its value will be judged by the inquiry’s independence, scope, and outcomes, argues PAT ONUKWULI
Nigeria is familiar with scandal, but familiarity must not become surrender. It has seen oil subsidy fraud, pension theft, the Maina affair, and, more recently, the Humanitarian Affairs ministry was placed under anti-corruption scrutiny following Betta Edu’s suspension. Yet the current controversy surrounding the office of the Chief of Staff to the President poses a more delicate danger. It sits near the nerve centre of power and places a heavier burden on the Presidency itself.
At the heart of the matter is the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, a body the Presidency says does not exist. Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew is accused by the Presidency of falsely presenting himself as its Director-General, forging appointment and approval documents, and operating what officials describe as a fraudulent structure centred on a fictitious government body. Reports further allege that he maintained 34 bank accounts linked to such entities and was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of fraud and forgery.
