Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday declined a renewed call for the Senate to investigate the controversy surrounding Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly posed as the Director-General of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PEAC/PFIPC).
The request, raised by Senator Suleiman Kawu under matters of urgent public importance, marked the second attempt by the lawmaker to secure a Senate probe after a similar motion was rejected last week.
Ruling on the matter, Akpabio said the issue was already before the court and under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, proceeding with a Senate investigation at this stage could interfere with the ongoing judicial process.
Despite the ruling, Kawu maintained that the National Assembly has a constitutional responsibility to exercise oversight over matters of public interest, irrespective of actions taken by the executive arm of government.
The Senate’s decision comes after a Federal High Court ordered the arrest of Adeyemi for failing to appear for arraignment on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation.
The court directed security agencies to arrest and produce him before it 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, Femi Gbajabiamila.
He is also accused of forging official presidential documents, falsely presenting himself as Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council and using the documents to seek office accommodation, official recognition, diplomatic support and bank accounts in the names of government agencies.
President Tinubu had earlier directed the ICPC to investigate the allegations, including the alleged forgery of presidential documents and the use of fake appointments to obtain official privileges.
