‘I Was a Victim’ – Deputy Speaker Kalu Speaks on Fake Presidential Council

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has disclosed that he was among those deceived by the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, recounting how the group’s officials gained access to his office using what appeared to be authentic government credentials.

Speaking during plenary on Wednesday in support of a motion to investigate the activities of the purported council, Kalu described himself as “a victim” of what he called a carefully orchestrated deception.

According to the Deputy Speaker, his office received a letter dated May 2, 2025, bearing the Presidency’s letterhead and identifying the sender as the Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.

Kalu said the letter also listed an office address at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase 3, Second Floor, Central Business District, Abuja, along with a government website, making the correspondence appear credible.

He explained that despite noticing some inconsistencies, he directed members of his staff to verify the organisation’s existence. His team reportedly confirmed that the office operated from the stated address, prompting him to approve the meeting.

“The parliament is an open house. Anybody who knocks on our door, we welcome them, especially after formal verification,” Kalu said.

However, he noted that when the delegation arrived, the discussion quickly deviated from the issues outlined in their letter.

According to him, rather than discussing constitutional amendment, economic governance, legislative priorities, or foreign investment collaboration as proposed, the visitors appeared more interested in taking photographs.

“I looked at the quality of the men who were before me and questioned whether they were properly engaged by the President,” he said.

Kalu lamented that photographs from the meeting were widely circulated in the media, creating the impression that he had officially engaged with a legitimate government agency.

He warned that official-looking letterheads, government office addresses, and websites could no longer be taken as proof of legitimacy, urging lawmakers to strengthen oversight and verification processes.

The Deputy Speaker backed the motion invoking the House’s investigative powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, stressing the need to uncover how the alleged organisation secured office space, engaged public officials, and operated under the guise of a federal institution.

He called on members of the House to support the investigation, saying it was necessary to demonstrate the legislature’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.

“I urge members to support this motion so that we can get to the root of this matter and show Nigerians that we stand for transparency and accountability,” Kalu said.