Senate rejects fresh motion to probe Presidency–Adeyemi controversy

The Senate has 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 Intervention Promotion Council (PEAC/PFIPC).

The motion was raised during Wednesday’s plenary by Senator Suleiman Kawu under matters of urgent public importance. It marked the second time the lawmaker had called for a Senate investigation after a similar request was rejected last week.

Ruling on the matter, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the issue was already before a competent court and that President Bola Tinubu had directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) 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.

Despite the ruling, Kawu maintained that the National Assembly still has a constitutional responsibility to carry out its oversight functions, irrespective of actions already taken by the executive arm of government.

The Senate’s decision followed a recent order by the Federal High Court directing security agencies to arrest Adeyemi after he failed to appear for his arraignment on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation.

Justice Mohammed Umar ordered that the defendant be arrested and produced before the court on September 30.

According to the charges, Adeyemi allegedly forged an appointment letter purportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He is further accused of forging official presidential documents, falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), and using the alleged fake appointment to request office accommodation from the State House.

The Federal Government also alleged that Adeyemi used the purported appointment to seek official recognition, diplomatic support and open bank accounts in the names of government agencies.

Before the commencement of the court proceedings, Adeyemi denied any wrongdoing and insisted that the legal process should be allowed to take its course.

Following the controversy, President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the allegations, including the alleged forgery of presidential appointment letters and other official government documents, as well as claims that fake appointments were used to obtain official recognition and other benefits.