A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has criticised the National Assembly over its decision not to interrogate President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the purported Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC),
Adeniyi Adeyemi, in connection with the ongoing controversy surrounding the council.
Okonkwo described the conclusion of the investigation without questioning the two individuals as a “rape of justice,” arguing that the legislature had failed in its constitutional responsibility.
In a statement shared on his X account, the former Nollywood actor said any report or finding reached without hearing from Gbajabiamila and Adeyemi would lack legitimacy.
He said, “The purported conclusion of investigation of the criminality of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) without interrogating Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the DG of the agency, or Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff of the President, is a rape of justice and a caricature of the independence of the legislature.”
Okonkwo argued that the principle of fair hearing required that those accused of wrongdoing must be given the opportunity to defend themselves before any conclusion is reached.
He also faulted the explanation by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, that Adeyemi could not appear before the investigative panel because of a court order remanding him in custody.
According to him, the National Assembly, as an independent arm of government, should not be prevented from carrying out its constitutional duties.
He questioned why Gbajabiamila was not invited to appear before the lawmakers if Adeyemi’s detention was the reason given for his absence.
“ If Adeyemi is in detention, is Femi also in detention? Why did the National Assembly not question Femi, who is not in detention?” Okonkwo asked.
The ADC chieftain further accused the National Assembly of weakening democratic accountability, urging Nigerians to use their votes in the 2027 elections to demand better governance.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.