National Assembly Has Turned Nigeria Into a Joke’ — Kenneth Okonkwo Blasts PFIPC Scandal

African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has criticised the National Assembly over the reported conclusion of its investigation into the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) controversy without questioning the agency’s alleged Director-General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

In a post shared on his X account, Okonkwo argued that any findings reached without giving both men an opportunity to respond would violate the principle of fair hearing and undermine the credibility of the investigation.

According to him, the doctrine of natural justice requires that individuals accused of wrongdoing be heard before any conclusions are reached.

Okonkwo maintained that any report or recommendation that indicts either Adeyemi or Gbajabiamila without first obtaining their testimony would, in his view, be legally unsustainable and difficult to defend.

He also dismissed the explanation reportedly offered by the Inspector-General of Police that Adeyemi could not appear before the lawmakers because he was being held under a court-ordered remand.

The former spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council argued that the National Assembly, as a separate arm of government, should not be prevented from carrying out its constitutional oversight responsibilities.

Okonkwo further questioned why the lawmakers did not invite Gbajabiamila to testify, noting that the Chief of Staff was not in custody and could have appeared before the committee.

Describing the handling of the investigation as disappointing, he alleged that the legislature had failed to demonstrate the level of independence expected of it.

He called on Nigerians to use the 2027 general election to demand greater accountability from public institutions, urging citizens to ensure their votes count in shaping the country’s future.