Minister denies rift between Baru, Kachikwu, says there is no $25b fraud

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says recent media reports of a rift between  Minister of State Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu and the NNPC GMB, Maikanti Baru, are mischievous.

“To the best of my knowledge, Kachikwu made his point and Baru also did same. But the point is that over time, we have seen Baru and Kachikwu working together, he said in an interview published by Vanguard Newspapers.

“However, the position of government is that you can’t start talking of fraud. There is nothing like $25 billion fraud in the NNPC; not in the least.”

He said that reports making the rounds on the rift were meant to cause disaffection between the two and to create tension in the sector.

“The opposition, notably the PDP felt that they have something to hold against this government. But I can assure you that it is not possible under this administration to have a $25 billion fraud. The entire economy will collapse.”

“There is no $25b fraud. Yes, there could have been lack of communication, understanding and procedure but  I think all that has been put behind us.”

He also said for the PDP to rule Nigeria again is like going back to Egypt.

How can Nigeria now go back to Egypt?

“I can confidently tell you that we are not even contemplating it.  It will be a tragedy for Nigeria to fall back into the hands of PDP.”

“They dropped us in hell and we are taking people out of hell.  It is not about APC or President Buhari. With the kind of revelation that is coming out, the kind of rot, you want those people to come back and preside over the affairs of Nigeria again?