PFIPC Scandal: Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu Reveals How Alleged Fake Presidency Letter Led to Meeting with Suspected Impostor

PFIPC Scandal: Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu Reveals How Alleged Fake Presidency Letter Led to Meeting with Suspected Impostor

• Njoku Macdonald Obinna

Fresh revelations have emerged in the unfolding controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, , disclosed that he was among senior government officials misled by what appeared to be an authentic communication from the Presidency.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary while backing a motion calling for a full-scale investigation into the activities of the controversial council, Kalu recounted how his office received an official-looking letter bearing the Presidency’s insignia and identifying the sender as the Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the PFIPC.

According to the Deputy Speaker, the correspondence, dated May 2, 2025, contained details that appeared credible, including an address within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja and a government website, prompting his office to carry out preliminary verification before granting a meeting request.

Kalu explained that members of his staff visited the address stated in the letter and confirmed that the office existed, leading him to believe the organisation was legitimate. However, he noted that the meeting quickly raised suspicions after the visitors abandoned the policy discussions outlined in their letter and focused instead on taking photographs.

He described the incident as a wake-up call, warning that official letterheads, government addresses and even seemingly authentic documentation can no longer be accepted as proof of legitimacy without thorough verification.

The Deputy Speaker urged lawmakers to support an exhaustive investigation under the constitutional oversight powers of the National Assembly, stressing that Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability in public administration.

The controversy surrounding the PFIPC intensified after the council surfaced as one of the beneficiaries of the 2026 Appropriation Act despite repeated assurances from the Presidency that no such agency exists under the Federal Government. The development triggered widespread public concern over how a non-existent agency found its way into the national budget.

The Presidency subsequently distanced itself from the council, insisting that neither approved its establishment nor appointed anyone to head it. Following the discovery, the President’s Chief of Staff, , petitioned security agencies, prompting investigations by the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities.

The alleged Director-General, , was later arrested and arraigned on allegations including forgery, impersonation and related offences, although he has continued to maintain that the documents in his possession were lawfully obtained.

President Tinubu has also directed the to investigate how the controversial council was inserted into the 2026 budget, with a mandate to identify and prosecute anyone found responsible in accordance with the law.

As investigations continue, the PFIPC saga has exposed significant concerns over document verification, institutional oversight and the integrity of Nigeria’s budgetary process, raising fresh questions about how fraudulent entities can infiltrate government systems and gain access to high-level public officials.

👔Njoku Macdonald Obinna

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Njoku Macdonald Obinna is a distinguished media consultant, public relations expert, and publisher of 4th Estate Reporters. With an impressive career spanning over 2 decades in the media and communications industry, he has built a solid reputation for excellence, strategic insight, and impactful storytelling.

Macdonald had served as a Correspondent with Ben TV London in Port Harcourt , and had also featured very prominently in national newspapers before establishing his media outfit.

He is the South East and South - South Business Operations Manager of Excel International Media group, and had attended a couple of international conferences outside Nigeria.

As an award- winning media personality, Macdonald has used his wealth of experience in communications strategy and public engagements to promote African culture and festivities, sports development, political leadership, and traditional institutions.

He has executed social documentaries and corporate profiling of both companies and individuals, leveraging media and public relations to enhance organizations profile and activities.

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