Law School Class of ’88 demands probe into alleged fake Presidential Commission

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Nigerian Law School Class of 1988 has called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the activities of the purported Presidential Commission on Foreign Intervention and Foreign Investment, following the Presidency’s clarification that no such commission exists within the Federal Government.

In a statement issued on Monday, the association described the development as a serious constitutional and governance issue, warning that the creation or operation of a fictitious government institution, if established, could undermine the rule of law, erode public confidence in state institutions and damage Nigeria’s international reputation.

In the release signed by its Chairman, Ike C. Ibe, Secretary, Orighoye Obelikpeyah, and Public Relations Officer, Richard Nwankwo, the group said governmental authority can only be exercised through institutions created by the Constitution or established by law.

Barrister Richard Nwankwo, PRO, Class of ’88

According to the lawyers, no individual or group has the legal authority to establish, operate or present any organisation as an agency or organ of the Federal Government without constitutional or statutory backing.

The association noted that if investigations establish that any person falsely represented such a body as an official government institution, such conduct could amount to serious violations of Nigerian law and an assault on constitutional governance.

It further warned that the implications extend beyond Nigeria’s domestic legal system, stressing that the country’s credibility before foreign governments, diplomatic missions, development partners and international investors depends largely on the integrity and authenticity of its public institutions.

The lawyers observed that any individual claiming to represent a non-existent presidential commission could mislead foreign investors, compromise official engagements and expose innocent persons and organisations to financial and reputational risks.

While commending the Presidency for promptly clarifying that the commission does not exist, the association emphasised that all individuals connected with the matter remain entitled to the constitutional rights of fair hearing and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

It cautioned against media trials and political interference, insisting that justice must be guided strictly by due process and the rule of law.

The Nigerian Law School Class of 1988 therefore urged relevant law enforcement, investigative and regulatory agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation to establish the origin and legal status of the purported commission, identify those responsible for its creation and operation, determine whether any public funds, private investments or foreign entities were obtained through false representations, and ascertain any criminal or civil liabilities arising from the matter.

The association also called on the Federal Government to establish an easily accessible official registry of all federal agencies, presidential appointments, commissions and special offices to enable members of the public, investors and diplomatic missions verify the authenticity of government institutions before entering into official or financial engagements.

It advised foreign governments, development partners, investors and the general public to verify the status of any government agency or official representation through appropriate Federal Government channels before conducting business.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutional democracy, institutional accountability, judicial independence and the rule of law, the association maintained that protecting the integrity of the Nigerian State is a collective responsibility.

“Justice requires that wrongdoing, wherever established, be firmly addressed, while innocence, wherever established, be equally protected. That is the essence of the rule of law,” the statement concluded.