Fake agency probe: House faces pressure to summon Gbajabiamila

The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council faces mounting pressure to expand its inquiry and summon President's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. This comes as lawmakers have directed the Inspector-General of Police to bring the alleged promoter of the non-existent agency, Adeniyi Adeyemi, before them for questioning.

Adeyemi, who has been in police custody for over two weeks, is expected to appear following the committee's directive. However, fresh questions have emerged regarding Gbajabiamila's absence from testimony, particularly in light of Adeyemi's alleged statements linking him to the attempted establishment of the council.

A source close to the committee's proceedings expressed frustration over missed opportunities during a recent hearing with the Inspector-General of Police's representative. "The IGP appeared today (Monday) through a representative, a senior police officer. Why did the committee fail to ask relevant questions?" the source queried. The source highlighted the mysterious death of a middleman, Dolapo Tanimola, who allegedly received N400 million from Adeyemi to give to the Chief of Staff. Tanimola reportedly died in a fire incident at Kachi Hotel in Utako, Abuja, shortly before the hotel was demolished by armed individuals, leaving no trace for further investigation.

Political analyst Jackson Ojo criticized the committee, chaired by Yusuf Gagdi, for not inviting Gbajabiamila from the outset. The investigation is examining revelations that forged documents were allegedly used to secure government recognition, office space, and budget allocations for an agency lacking legal foundation. Public interest in the committee's findings remains high.