By Our News reporter
A House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the authenticity of documents linked to the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has concluded that an alleged appointment letter naming a Director-General was forged after a detailed examination of official records.
The committee disclosed that it compared nine official letters issued from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and found that the signatures on all nine documents were consistent and genuine. However, the signature on the disputed appointment letter differed significantly from the verified signatures, leading lawmakers to declare the document unauthentic.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, said the findings followed a thorough review of official correspondence submitted during the ongoing investigation. According to him, the committee relied on multiple verified documents to establish a basis for comparison before reaching its conclusion on the disputed letter.
The investigation also featured testimony from the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who informed the committee that, although she is not a forensic document examiner, her comparison of the signatures suggested that the disputed signature did not match those on the authentic documents.
In addition, lawmakers revealed that forensic experts from the Nigeria Police reportedly reached a similar conclusion after conducting their own examination, stating that the signature on the alleged appointment letter was inconsistent with Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila’s verified signature.
Beyond the appointment letter, the committee also questioned the authenticity of the document presented as the legal instrument establishing the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council. Members noted that the document lacked key legislative authentication features typically associated with Acts passed by the National Assembly, raising further concerns over its legitimacy.
The latest development represents a significant milestone in the House of Representatives’ investigation into the controversial appointment and the legal status of the council. Lawmakers said the inquiry is aimed at protecting the integrity of government institutions and ensuring that official documents are not manipulated or used to mislead public agencies.
The committee stressed that its findings are part of an ongoing parliamentary investigation and that any determination of criminal responsibility will depend on the outcome of law enforcement investigations and, where applicable, judicial proceedings.
The investigation continues as the House seeks to establish the full circumstances surrounding the disputed documents and identify those responsible for any alleged forgery or misrepresentation.
