By Peace Udugba
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 in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The agency, identified as the “National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office,” is allegedly being promoted by Mr George Buchi Nwabueze, with suspected collaboration from some senior public servants in the OSGF.
The ICPC said Nwabueze operates under several variations of his name, including Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.
The Chairman of the ICPC, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, disclosed the development on Friday at the State House, Aso Villa, Abuja, while briefing journalists after meeting with President Tinubu.
According to Aliyu, the discovery followed fresh findings from the Commission’s ongoing investigation into another alleged fake government body, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), which was reportedly promoted by Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.
The ICPC chairman said the new findings prompted him to brief the President on the alleged activities surrounding the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office.
Following the briefing, President Tinubu directed the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and ordered the suspension of three permanent secretaries in the OSGF identified by the ICPC as Ms Danjuma, Engr. Nandungu Gagare and Richard Pheelangwa.
The Commission said investigations into the matter are ongoing and reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and due process in the fight against corruption.
