A former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Goke Adeboroye, has blamed weaknesses within Nigeria’s government bureaucracy for allowing an alleged fake presidential agency to operate without being detected.
Adeboroye made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources following an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.
The ICPC said the organisation had no legal backing and allegedly operated using forged appointment letters and other government documents. The commission also said the organisation’s alleged Director-General, Adeniyi Matthew, was never appointed by the Federal Government. According to Adeboroye, the case raises serious questions about how an individual could allegedly enter the government system, obtain office space, gain access to budgetary provisions and operate as a government agency without the relevant authorities discovering the irregularities.
He said weaknesses within key offices of the Presidency, including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, may have contributed to the situation. Adeboroye stressed that government officials must have enough professional knowledge and integrity to question instructions that do not follow established procedures.
He explained that presidential approvals normally pass through recognised channels involving senior government officials. This, he said, should make it possible for civil servants to verify questionable documents before acting on them. He recalled an incident from his time as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior when a former governor claimed to have presidential approval for a diplomatic passport.
Rather than acting immediately, the then Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service reportedly verified the approval and sought further clarification. Adeboroye said such experience demonstrates the importance of a strong and professional civil service capable of detecting irregularities. Meanwhile, the controversy has also involved the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office.
The ICPC alleged that the office was operating unlawfully within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The project’s National Coordinator and Executive Director, George Nwabueze, has rejected the allegation. He maintains that the office is a legitimate project office under the OSGF and has existed for 16 years.
The controversy continues as authorities face questions over the legitimacy, authorisation and operation of the organisations involved.
