Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has refuted reports alleging his detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement posted on his verified X account (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Kyari labeled the claim as mischievous and unequivocally false.
He also expressed his disappointment over what he perceived as a deliberate effort to tarnish his image and misinform the public.
He stated: “Over the past few days and in particular in the past two hours, I have been inundated with calls from concerned family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in EFCC custody.
“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know.”
Kyari said he is currently taking a well-deserved rest following the recent dissolution of the NNPCL board and management by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that during his 34-year career in the corporation, 17 of which were in top management, he rarely had time off work.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Kyari as the GCEO of the NNPCL, a position he held under President Tinubu until the recent restructuring of the corporation.
“I served not only my country but also God. I am happy to account for my stewardship.
“I must emphasise that I served with the fear of God, knowing fully well as a Muslim that if I do not account before man, I will surely account before Allah.”
Kyari warned that the spread of falsehoods could have far-reaching consequences, particularly in damaging investor confidence and the international image of the country.
“Disinformation does not serve the interest of the NNPCL or Nigeria. It sends the wrong signal to investors and the global community,” he said, appealing to the media to uphold journalistic integrity by verifying reports before publication and urged them to avoid being manipulated by vested interests.
“I sincerely thnk my family and friends who have reached out to me or tried to do so, and assure them that I am available to respond to all lawful queries.”
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