•The House of Representatives Ad Hoc committee
The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has expressed displeasure over the failure of some heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to honour its summons.
The committee voiced its concerns shortly after yesterday’s plenary, describing the absence of key government officials as a setback to its ongoing investigation into the activities of the council, reports Channels TV.
The panel also criticised the absence of the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, who was represented by an official of the ministry, insisting that invited officials must appear in person before the committee or risk further legislative action.
Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, warned that the panel would not tolerate non-compliance with its directives, stressing the need for full cooperation from all individuals and institutions involved in the investigation.
As part of its ongoing inquiry, the committee further summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to explain how the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council allegedly operated despite concerns raised over its legitimacy.
The committee said their appearance would assist lawmakers in establishing the circumstances surrounding the council’s operations and addressing issues arising from the investigation.
The PFIPC has come under legislative scrutiny, with the House panel seeking clarifications from relevant government officials and agencies over its activities and legal standing.
Also at plenary yesterday, the House of Representatives called for a comprehensive investigation into the losses, casualties and properties abandoned by Nigerians following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The lawmakers also urged the federal government to intensify diplomatic engagements, pursue legal measures and strengthen bilateral cooperation with South Africa to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
The motion seeks to mandate the House Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to document the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians during the attacks, compile an inventory of abandoned properties and recommend diplomatic and legal measures to improve the protection of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Lawmakers argued that a thorough assessment of the impact of the attacks is necessary to support affected Nigerians and strengthen the country’s response to future incidents.
