Reps Panel Warns MDAs Over Failure to Attend Investigative Hearing

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee looking into the alleged formation and activities of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has warned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that have not responded to its invitations.

In a statement on Tuesday, the committee showed disappointment about some government agencies not showing up. They said this lack of response is an attack on the constitutional oversight powers of the House.

The committee made it clear that invitations from a properly formed committee are not optional. They emphasized that these requests are based on the powers given to the National Assembly under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

“Compliance is therefore a legal obligation, not an act of courtesy,” the committee stated.

They ordered all the MDAs that did not respond to come before the committee on Thursday with the necessary officers and documents as requested in earlier letters.

The committee indicated that Thursday would be the “final opportunity” for these agencies to comply with its orders voluntarily.

They warned that any agency that fails to show up without a valid reason would face the full constitutional and statutory powers available to the House to enforce compliance.

The committee also stated they would recommend and pursue legal actions against any person or group found to be deliberately blocking or delaying the investigation.

This investigation was sparked by worries about the alleged setup and actions of the PFIPC, an organization whose status and activities are now under examination.

The committee assured that their investigation is for the national interest and is not aimed at any specific person or group.

They noted that the goal is to uncover the truth, protect the integrity of public administration, uphold the law, and ensure that public offices and institutions operate within the Constitution and Nigerian laws.

The committee promised to carry out the investigation in a professional, fair, and transparent manner. They stressed that no government agency, regardless of its power or influence, will be allowed to undermine the constitutional authority of the House.

“Every public institution is hereby advised to treat this final warning with the seriousness it deserves,” the committee concluded.