By Kolawole Ojebisi
A former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has described reports making the rounds that he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as “clear mischief” and a “calculated attempt” to discredit him. He, however, maintained that he is ready and willingto render account of his stewardship if invited to do so.
Debunking the rumours about his purported arrest, Kyari maintained that the sponsors of the widespread reports are bent to achieve a desired outcome, which only them know.
The immediate past GCEO of NNPCL stated this in a late-night Saturday statement posted on his X handle.
Kyari said he is currently taking a “well-deserved rest” following the recent dissolution of the NNPCL board and management, and reiterated his willingness to answer to any lawful inquiry regarding his tenure.
“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 the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only them know,” Kyari wrote on Saturday.
Kyari maintained that he is not afraid to give account of his stewardship in office when invited, knowing full well that he executed his duties with utmost transparency; he added that his record speaks for itself.
“I must emphasize that I served with the fear of God knowing fully well as a Muslim that if I do not account before man, I will account before Allah… I am happy to account for my stewardship in this world,” he declared.
Kyari, however, called on the media to act with responsibility and restraint, stressing that the spread of unverified claims could have damaging consequences for national interest, particularly in the eyes of the international community.
“The resort to disinformation does not serve anyone’s purpose, the NNPCL or the country in general, as it has the potential to send the wrong signals to investors and the international community,” he cautioned.
Kyari thanked friends and family who reached out and assured them of his availability to respond to “all lawful queries.”
Recall that President Bola Tinubu in April removed the chairman, Pius Akinyelure and the Group CEO, Kyari of the NNPCL, from office.
Consequently, the President appointed Bashir Ojulari as the new CEO, effective from April 2, 2025.
