Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has dismissed reports suggesting that he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the claim as mischievous and entirely false.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, @MMKyari on Saturday, Kyari expressed dismay over what he described as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation and mislead the public.
“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,” he said.
“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know.”
Kyari stated that 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.
“I served not only my country but also God. I am happy to account for my stewardship,” he said.
“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.”
He 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,” Kyari said.
He appealed to the media to uphold journalistic integrity by verifying reports before publication and urged them to avoid being manipulated by vested interests.
“I sincerely thank 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,” he added.
Kyari served as GCEO of the NNPCL under former President Muhammadu Buhari and continued under President Tinubu until the recent reorganisation of the corporation.
The full post reads:
“I served not only my country but also God. I am happy to account for my stewardship
Over the past few days and in particular in the past 2 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.
At present, I am taking a well-deserved rest after the dissolution of the management and board of the NNPCL, of which I was the Group Chief Executive.
It should be stated that having served the NNPC and the NNPCL for 34 years, and 17 of those in management roles and especially the last 5 years and 9 months, I had little time for leave of even two weeks. So, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve under their Excellencies Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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, and that I am better off accounting to the institutions of man. Therefore, having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world.
However, it is important to state that the resort to disinformation does not serve anyones purpose, the NNPCL or the country in General, as it has the potential to send the wrong signals to investors and the international community.
It is in this regard that I urge the media to be circumspect and avoid being stampeded into misleading the public on unverified stories or matters that are subject of further validation by relevant organizations.
I sincerely thank 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.”
