He is to personally respond to allegations and clarify issues surrounding documents and activities linked to the establishment and operations of the PFIPC.
By Mmesoma Onwuka
365Daily – The self acclaimed director general of the phantom Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeyemi Matthew, has been invited to appear before the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the controversial agency on Wednesday as its investigation into the body’s activities enters a crucial phase.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, issued the directive at the close of Monday’s investigative hearing, saying Adeyemi’s appearance had become imperative following revelations and documents presented to the panel.
Gagdi said he is to personally respond to allegations and clarify issues surrounding documents and activities linked to the establishment and operations of the PFIPC.
The directive followed an earlier resolution of the committee requesting the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure Adeyemi’s appearance before the lawmakers after representatives of the Nigeria Police Force briefed the panel on the status of ongoing investigations.
Gagdi announced that the committee would not hold any other public hearing before Wednesday, explaining that members required time to examine evidence and submissions already received in preparation for the next stage of the investigation.
He also noted that several members of the committee had official assignments, including participation in the inauguration of a gubernatorial election campaign committee, making it necessary to suspend public proceedings temporarily.
The chairman informed lawmakers that no additional ministries, departments or agencies had been scheduled to appear before the committee ahead of Wednesday’s sitting.
He disclosed that members of the committee would meet privately before the public hearing to review outstanding issues, assess documents already tendered and harmonise observations arising from testimonies presented by previous witnesses.
Moving the motion for adjournment, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene called for the suspension of proceedings until Wednesday. The motion was seconded and with no objection from the committee, the hearing was formally adjourned to 12 noon on Wednesday.
The committee is investigating the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operations of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council amid allegations that the body operated without the legal authority required of a federal government agency.
Lawmakers are also examining claims that the council sought official recognition, access to government facilities and engagement with public institutions through documents and approvals whose authenticity has come under scrutiny.