PFIPC scandal: Reps warn agencies shunning summons

The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee has issued a stern ultimatum to federal ministries, departments, and agencies that have repeatedly ignored its invitations. The committee is investigating the alleged establishment and operations of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

“

The committee views this conduct as a serious affront to the constitutional oversight powers of the House of Representatives and an unacceptable disregard for the authority of the Parliament, which represents the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.

Chairman Yusuf Gagdi declared Tuesday that the agencies' failure to appear before the panel is a direct challenge to the National Assembly's constitutional oversight authority. He characterized their conduct as a "serious affront" and an "unacceptable disregard" for the parliament, which represents the Nigerian people.

Gagdi emphasized that invitations from House committees are legally binding, stemming from constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution. He stated that compliance is a legal obligation, not a courtesy.

“

It must be clearly understood that invitations issued by a duly constituted Committee of the House of Representatives are not matters of discretion. They are issued pursuant to the constitutional powers vested in the National Assembly under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). Compliance is therefore a legal obligation, not an act of courtesy.

The committee has directed all defaulting agencies to appear on Thursday with all requested officials and documents. Gagdi announced this as the "final opportunity" for voluntary compliance. He warned that any agency failing to appear without lawful justification would face the "full weight of the law," and the committee would "not hesitate to recommend and pursue every sanction permitted by law" against those obstructing the investigation.

“

Thursday is the final opportunity for every defaulting agency to comply voluntarily with the lawful directives of this Committee.

Gagdi clarified that the investigation aims to establish facts about the PFIPC's activities and protect public administration integrity, not to victimize any institution or individual. He stressed the investigation is "in the national interest."

“

Any ministry, department or agency that fails to appear without lawful justification will leave the committee with no alternative but to invoke every constitutional and statutory power available to the House of Representatives to compel compliance and ensure accountability.