A lawyer, Maxwell Opara has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of public officials allegedly linked to the controversial fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, saying the scale of the alleged fraud points to widespread institutional involvement.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, on Monday, Opara described the alleged creation and operation of the fake agency as one of the boldest fraud cases in recent years.
He insisted that key government institutions could not have been unaware of its activities.
“We have graduated from padding of budgets to now creating a fake agency as an epitome of fraud. Nobody should tell me they were not aware. All of them are involved. I stand to be challenged.”
Opara questioned how the organisation allegedly secured office space in the Federal Secretariat, obtained government budget codes and gained official recognition.
He argued that several government agencies must have approved those steps.
“The National Assembly, the Head of Service, the Chief of Staff, they are aware. A fake agency had an office in the Federal Secretariat and a budget was allocated to it. Who approved that budget? What was the oversight process.
Opara said the alleged fraud exposed major gaps in government oversight and accountability.
He warned that such incidents could damage investor confidence and weaken public trust in government institutions.
“This has economic effects, political effects and moral effects. How do you expect people to come and invest in this country when things like this happen?”
He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to carry out thorough investigations.
He also said public officials linked to the controversy should step aside to allow a transparent probe.
“Everybody should have stepped aside and subjected themselves to investigation. This is executive impunity, and all of us should rise to condemn it.” ‘Nobody Is Above the Law’
Opara maintained that authorities should arrest and prosecute anyone found responsible if investigators confirm the allegations.
He stressed that public office should not shield anyone from the law.
“Those behind this alleged fake agency should have been arrested by now. Nobody is above the law. They should be arrested, prosecuted and, if found guilty, convicted.”
He criticised security and anti-corruption agencies for what he described as a slow response. He insisted that they must enforce the law equally, regardless of the status of those involved.
Opara urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to accountability and governance as the country moves toward the next election cycle.
He said stronger institutions remain vital to fighting corruption and restoring public confidence.
External Links
ARISE News: https://www.arise.tv/
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC): https://www.efcc.gov.ng/
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC): https://icpc.gov.ng/
