Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), has stated that he carried out his duties with a deep sense of accountability and reverence for God.
Following a major leadership overhaul within the NNPCL, several reports have surfaced regarding alleged misconduct during his tenure.
One such report claimed that N80 billion was discovered in the account of a recently dismissed refinery Managing Director who served under Kyari.
Kyari’s successor, Bayo Ojulari, has initiated significant internal restructuring, which led to the dismissal of several individuals who previously held positions under the former GCEO.
Despite the circulating claims, including an online publication suggesting he had been taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kyari dismissed such reports as entirely false.
“Over the past few days and particularly 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),” Kyari said.
“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, known only to them.”
He clarified that he is currently taking a break after the recent dissolution of the NNPCL’s management and board, which ended his leadership of the corporation.
”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.”
Reflecting on his long service, Kyari noted, ”It should be stated that, having served the NNPC and later the NNPCL for 34 years, 17 of those in management roles, and especially the last five years and nine months, I had little time for even a two-week leave.”
Expressing gratitude, he added, ”So, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve under Their Excellencies, Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Reinforcing his integrity, Kyari said, ”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 surely account before Allah.”
“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.”
He also cautioned against the potential harm that misinformation could cause to the country’s reputation, particularly among foreign investors.
“It is in this regard that I urge the media to be circumspect and avoid being stampeded into misleading the public with unverified stories or matters that require further validation by relevant authorities.”
Kyari expressed appreciation to those who reached out to him and assured that he remains open to scrutiny.
“I sincerely thank my family and friends who have reached out to me or tried to and assure them that I am available to respond to all lawful queries,” he concluded.
