Reps Threaten Action Against Ministers Over PFIPC Hearing

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives, led by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, threatened to invoke constitutional powers against ministers who do not appear before it during the investigation into the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). This warning followed the absence of the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Babatunde Ogunjimi, at a scheduled hearing in Abuja.

The committee criticized the Deputy Director, Mr. James Ere, for representing the Minister of Finance without proper authorization. Hon. Gagdi emphasized that invitations from the National Assembly are legally binding under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution.

He stated that the committee would take action against any Ministry, Department, or Agency that fails to comply with the summons, asserting that Thursday would be the final opportunity for compliance. The investigation is framed as being in the national interest and not targeting any specific individual or institution.