The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered another alleged fake federal agency operating in Nigeria, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the arrest of its suspected promoter and the immediate suspension of three permanent secretaries.
The agency, identified as the “National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office,” is allegedly being promoted by one George Buchi Nwabueze, with suspected collaboration from some senior public servants in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, disclosed the development on Friday at the State House, Abuja, while briefing journalists after informing President Tinubu about the commission’s latest findings. He said the discovery emerged from ongoing investigations into the activities of the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), reportedly promoted by Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.
According to Aliyu, further investigations into the PFIPC case led the commission to uncover the activities of the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office and the alleged involvement of individuals within the OSGF.
The ICPC chairman also disclosed that the suspected promoter, Nwabueze, operates under several names, including Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.
Following the briefing, President Tinubu directed the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and ordered the suspension of three permanent secretaries in the OSGF identified as Ms Danjuma, Engr. Nandungu Gagare and Richard Pheelangwa. The commission said the directives were issued in response to the findings presented to the President.
The ICPC said investigations into the matter are ongoing and reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and due process in its efforts to expose and prosecute corruption and other related offences.
