Reps Intensify Fake Agency Probe, Issue 48-Hour Ultimatum to MDAs

The House of Representatives has intensified its investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) accused of frustrating the ongoing probe.

The investigation centres on allegations that the council operated as a government agency despite questions surrounding its legal status and how it appeared in official government records.

Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee, Yusuf Gagdi, warned that any defaulting MDA that failed to honour the committee’s invitation within the stipulated period would face constitutional sanctions.

Speaking during the committee’s hearing on Tuesday, Gagdi described the refusal of some government agencies to appear before the panel as a direct challenge to the constitutional oversight powers of the National Assembly.

“The committee views this conduct as a serious affront to the constitutional oversight powers of the House of Representatives and an unacceptable disregard for the authority of parliament,” he said.

He reminded the affected agencies that invitations issued by committees of the House are backed by Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stressing that compliance is a legal obligation rather than a matter of choice.

The committee directed all defaulting MDAs to appear before it on Thursday with all requested officials and documents, describing the hearing as their final opportunity to comply voluntarily.

“Any ministry, department or agency that fails to appear without lawful justification will leave the committee with no alternative but to invoke every constitutional and statutory power available to compel compliance,” Gagdi warned.

He maintained that the investigation was aimed at protecting the integrity of public administration and ensuring that no institution operates outside the provisions of Nigerian law.

Meanwhile, the committee insisted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, personally appear before the panel despite the ministry sending a representative to the hearing.

In a related development, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) confirmed that he had withdrawn as counsel to the alleged PFIPC Director-General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi.

“I have withdrawn from the Adeyemi case,” Falana said, without giving further details.

Also on Tuesday, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore challenged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to release the full video of its interrogation of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over the PFIPC investigation, insisting Nigerians deserve complete transparency as the probe continues.