‘Phantom’ council: Reps panel keeps mum 7 days after last sitting

Seven days following the House of Representatives ad hoc committee's final public hearing, the panel remains silent on the outcomes of their investigation into the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). Yusuf Gagdi, the committee's chairman, spoke to our correspondent via phone, refusing to offer any updates on the investigation's progress, citing potential risks to the process.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) concluded its probe and absolved the Presidency of involvement in the alleged establishment of the council. During the last committee session, they delved into documents and testimonies concerning the alleged council, including evidence from government bodies revealing how the PFIPC seemingly obtained official recognition and engaged with government affairs despite doubts about its legitimacy.

The committee had previously unveiled what it deemed extensive document fraud, such as the alleged fabrication of government documents and the creation of a non-existent Directorate of Administration and Support Services under the State House. Officials also claimed the State House had not issued any appointment letter to the self-proclaimed Director-General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, while the Federal Road Safety Corps explained how vehicles linked to the council acquired official government number plates.

Despite the committee's initial promise to brief Nigerians on their findings, seven days post the conclusion of their last public sitting, no official statement has been released regarding the results or the scheduled release date of the committee's report. The lawmakers had vowed to engage with Adeyemi, who is currently detained, at a later undisclosed time and place, rather than conducting the session publicly to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations and court proceedings.

However, Adeyemi's legal team and family members rejected the decision and demanded a public hearing for the 'self-appointed' DG. The committee's final report is anticipated to shed light on the functioning of the alleged council, the involvement of government entities, and whether individuals or private entities aided its activities.