For the first time since his exit from office on April 2, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kolo Kyari, says he has remained at home taking his deserved rest and not in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Based on a document purportedly from the anti-graft agency to the “Group Managing Director”- sic – of NNPC titled, “Investigation Activities: Request for Information”, reports made the rounds in the media that Kyari was arrested and has been in the EFCC custody.
In the document, the EFCC said it was “investigating a case of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds” against 14 top officials of NNPC Ltd., including Kyari.
But reacting to the reports, Kyari denied either being arrested or in EFCC custody.
Writing on Saturday through his confirmed personal handle with X, formerly called Twitter, @MKKyari, Kyari described reports about his detention in EFCC custody as a clear mischief and a calculated attempt to achieve a selfish end.
“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,” Kyari said.
For over 34 years he said he worked with the NNPC, 17 years of those in management capacity roles, especially in the last 5 years and 9 months, he had little time to go vacation, even for two weeks.
While expressing appreciation to both Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu forthe opportunity given him to serve in his capacities, first as Group Managing Director of NNPC, and later as Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC Ltd, he said his recent exit from office has afforded him the opportunity to take his deserved rest.
On rendering an account of his stewardship during his tenure at the helm of affairs at the NNPC Ltd, Kyari said: “I served not only my country, but also God. I am happy to account for my stewardship
“I must emphasize that I served with the fear of God knowing fully well that 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 anyone any 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,” he said.
