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The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) says it will invite former Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, if evidence gathered during its probe warrants his appearance.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, stated this during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, stressing that the investigation is focused on uncovering how the alleged agency became part of the Federal Government's operations despite questions over its legal status.
Gagdi said no individual is exempt from the investigation, but maintained that invitations would only be issued where documentary evidence justifies such action.
He explained that the committee's priority is to determine the origin and legal basis of the agency rather than target specific personalities.
On the committee's decision to question Prince Adeniyi at a police facility instead of a public hearing, Gagdi said the move was made out of respect for the judiciary after the Inspector-General of Police informed lawmakers that Adeniyi was in lawful custody under a court order.
He noted that committee members met Adeniyi behind closed doors but declined to reveal details of his testimony, citing ongoing criminal investigations by the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The lawmaker described the report already presented by the committee as a preliminary update intended to assure Nigerians that the investigation was progressing, adding that it does not represent the final position of the House.
Responding to criticism that the panel failed to hear from all those mentioned in the investigation, Gagdi insisted the committee had examined relevant individuals and institutions within its terms of reference.
He disclosed that documents were obtained from agencies including the Office of the Head of Service, Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, EFCC, ICPC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while memoranda were also received from members of the public.
According to him, none of the three petitions submitted to the committee involved former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.
Gagdi said the committee's interaction with Adeniyi followed a petition alleging he obtained N400 million from a contractor under the guise of facilitating a N2 billion contract, with evidence of four separate bank transfers reportedly presented to the panel.
He also revealed that the committee examined documents allegedly linking Gbajabiamila to the agency and found discrepancies in the signatures, letterheads and other official features when compared with authentic State House documents.
According to Gagdi, investigators also uncovered what appeared to be forged documents, including an alleged executive order and a purported Act of the National Assembly establishing the agency.
He maintained that the committee would not hesitate to summon Gbajabiamila or any other public official if subsequent evidence established the need, stressing that the investigation remains ongoing until a final report is presented to the House of Representatives.
