Senate Rejects Second Motion for PEAC/PFIPC Investigation as Adeyemi Faces Forgery Charges
The Senate has again rejected Senator Suleiman Kawu's motion seeking independent legislative investigation into the PEAC/PFIPC controversy involving Adeniyi Adeyemi, marking the second failed attempt this month. Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled against the motion, citing that the matter is already before a court and that President Tinubu has directed ICPC to investigate within 30 days.
Adeyemi, who paraded himself as director-general of the disputed agency, faces an eight-count charge of forgery, fraud, and impersonation. He allegedly forged appointment letters purported to be from President Tinubu signed by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, forged presidential letter-headed papers on March 8, 2024, and falsely claimed to be Director General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
Justice Umar of the Federal High Court ordered Adeyemi's arrest following a police application, requiring his production by September 30 for arraignment after he failed to appear for his plea. The forged documents were allegedly used to seek diplomatic recognition, visa facilitation, and open multiple bank accounts in purported government agencies' names.
Despite the Senate's position, Kawu maintains the National Assembly has constitutional oversight responsibilities regardless of executive investigations. He questions whether the legislative branch should independently examine matters of public importance when executive agencies are already investigating.
The ICPC investigation will cover forged appointment letters, use of false presidential claims for official recognition and diplomatic support, and fraudulent bank account openings. President Tinubu's directive signals official acknowledgment of the seriousness of these allegations.