The Senate on Wednesday 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 Investment Promotion Council (PEAC/PFIPC).
Senator Suleiman Kawu raised the matter under matters of urgent public importance during plenary. It was the second time he had urged the Senate to investigate the issue after a similar request was rejected last week.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled the motion out of order, saying the matter was already before the courts and that President Bola Tinubu had directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the allegations.
“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.
Kawu, however, argued that the National Assembly retained its constitutional oversight responsibilities irrespective of actions taken by the executive.
The Senate’s decision came after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered Adeyemi’s arrest 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 Adeyemi and produce him before the court on 30 September.
According to the charges, Adeyemi allegedly forged an appointment letter purportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by the President’s 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 the documents to request office accommodation at the State House.
The Federal Government further alleges that Adeyemi used the purported appointment to seek official recognition, diplomatic support and to open bank accounts in the names of government agencies.
Before the commencement of the court proceedings, Adeyemi denied any wrongdoing and said the legal process should be allowed to take its course.
Following the controversy, President Tinubu directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the allegations, including the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other official documents, as well as claims that fake presidential appointments were used to obtain official recognition and other benefits.
