The controversy surrounding Adeniyi Matthew has taken a new twist. The embattled promoter of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council has explained why he established the organisation after the Federal Government declared it unauthorised.
ABUJA — Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who identified himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), has defended the establishment of the organisation following the Federal Government’s declaration that the body is not an authorised institution. Speaking amid growing public scrutiny, Matthew said the initiative was created to promote international partnerships, attract foreign intervention programmes and support Nigeria’s economic and social development. The Adeniyi Matthew explanation comes days after government authorities distanced themselves from the council and warned Nigerians against dealing with organisations that falsely claim official government recognition.
According to Matthew, the organisation was conceived as a platform to encourage collaboration between Nigeria and foreign investors, development partners and international organisations interested in supporting projects across different sectors of the economy. He maintained that the council’s objectives were centred on promoting investment opportunities and developmental initiatives rather than misleading the public. He also stated that the organisation was not established with criminal intent and insisted that its activities were aimed at advancing national development. Matthew, however, acknowledged that the council has ceased operations following the government’s position on its legal status.
The controversy gained national attention after the Federal Government publicly clarified that the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council was not created or recognised by any authorised government institution. Relevant authorities advised members of the public to verify the legal status of organisations claiming government affiliation before engaging with them or making financial commitments. The warning triggered widespread discussions across social media platforms and among public affairs commentators, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the growing number of organisations allegedly presenting themselves as official government agencies without proper authorisation.
Extra News Nigeria indicate that the incident has renewed conversations about regulatory oversight and the need for stronger public awareness regarding the verification of government institutions. Legal experts say Nigerians should always confirm the authenticity of agencies through official government channels before participating in programmes, partnerships or investment opportunities. They argue that greater transparency and public access to verified information would reduce the risk of misinformation and protect citizens from dealing with unauthorised entities.
As investigations and official reviews continue, attention is expected to remain on the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operations of the council. While Adeniyi Matthew maintains that his intentions were to promote development and international cooperation, the Federal Government has reiterated that only institutions established through lawful procedures can operate as recognised public agencies. Observers say the outcome of the matter could shape future measures aimed at preventing unauthorised organisations from presenting themselves as government bodies.
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