Senate again declines probe of PFIPC

The Senate has again rejected a motion seeking an independent investigation into the controversy involving the Presidency and Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PEAC/PFIPC).

Senator Suleiman Kawu raised the matter during Wednesday’s plenary under matters of urgent public importance. It was the second time he had asked the Senate to investigate the issue after a similar request was rejected last week.

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled against the motion, saying the matter was already before the court and that President Bola Tinubu had directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate it.

“In my view, the issue has been overtaken by events as the culprit has been charged to court. It is now sub judice to attempt to go into it again. Mr President has already directed an investigation. If we go into it now, we will probably be jumping the gun,” Akpabio said.

Despite the ruling, Kawu argued that the National Assembly still has the constitutional duty to carry out its oversight role, regardless of any action taken by the executive.

The Senate’s decision came after a Federal High Court ordered the arrest of Adeyemi for failing to appear for his arraignment on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation.

Justice Umar directed security agencies to arrest him and produce him in court on September 30.

According to the charges, Adeyemi allegedly forged an appointment letter said to have been issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.

He is also accused of forging official presidential documents, falsely claiming to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, and using fake documents to request office space from the State House.

The Federal Government also alleges that he used the claimed appointment to seek official recognition, diplomatic support and open bank accounts in the names of government agencies.

Before the court case, Adeyemi denied any wrongdoing and insisted that the legal process should be allowed to run its course.

Following the controversy, President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the allegations, including the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other government documents, as well as claims that fake presidential appointments were used to obtain official recognition and other benefits.