On a programme Standpoint hosted at Emirate 98.5 fm, Dr Adegbite Adeshina of the Department of Performing Arts, University of Ilorin, and Dr Adebiye Oluwashina of the Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, have raised concerns over the alleged fake government agency scandal, describing it as a reflection of deeper institutional and systemic problems.

Speaking on Emirate FM 98.5, Dr Adegbite questioned how a fake agency could allegedly operate for years without being detected, asking whether those behind it acted alone. He said the development was becoming a form of syndicate and stressed the need to investigate the circumstances surrounding the activities of Adeniyi Adeyemi, who presented himself as the head of the agency.

Dr Adebiye said Nigeria had experienced institutional corruption for a long time, questioning how a purportedly fake agency could be included in the yearly budget without government authorities detecting it. He said such structures could be used to embezzle or siphon public funds and called for those responsible to face the law.

On whether the National Assembly was effectively performing its oversight duties, Dr Adebiye described the situation as a systemic failure rather than a constitutional failure.

Dr Adegbite also raised concerns about ghost workers within government and commended the President and the ICPC for their efforts in addressing the matter.

He recalled a controversy during the 2022 COVID-19 period involving funds reportedly allocated for feeding children while schools were closed. He questioned how such expenditure could have been accounted for under the watch of the government.

The experts called for stronger oversight, accountability and transparency in government institutions.

The Presidency had directed the ICPC to investigate the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and related activities.