Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), has stated that he conducted his service with a deep sense of reverence for God.
Following a significant reshuffle within the oil corporation, various reports have emerged concerning Kyari’s tenure.
One such report revealed that N80 billion was discovered in the account of a recently dismissed Managing Director of one of the refineries who was under Kyari’s leadership.
Bayo Ojulari, Kyari’s successor, has initiated a major restructuring that has resulted in the departure of numerous individuals who served alongside him.
Additionally, there have been allegations of corruption during Kyari’s administration.
In response to rumors suggesting that he was in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kyari indicated that he had received numerous calls from concerned friends and family regarding the unfounded claims.
He reaffirmed his commitment to serving Nigeria with integrity and expressed his readiness to account for his actions.
“In recent days, particularly in the last couple of hours, I have been overwhelmed with calls from worried family and friends regarding an online newspaper’s assertion that I am in EFCC custody,” Kyari stated.
“This is a blatant act of mischief and a deliberate attempt by the publication and its backers to achieve an undisclosed aim.
“Currently, I am enjoying a well-deserved break following the dissolution of the NNPCL management and board, where I held the position of Group Chief Executive.
“It is important to note that after dedicating 34 years to NNPC and subsequently NNPCL—17 of which were in management positions, including the last five years and nine months—I rarely had time for even a two-week vacation.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve under the leadership of Their Excellencies, Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I must stress that I served with the fear of God, fully aware that, as a Muslim, I will eventually account for my actions before Allah, should I fail to do so before man. Thus, I welcome the chance to explain my stewardship in this world.”
Kyari cautioned that misleading narratives about his tenure could negatively impact investor confidence and the perception of the international community.
“In this context, I urge the media to exercise caution and refrain from being rushed into disseminating unverified information or issues that require further investigation by the appropriate authorities.”
“I sincerely appreciate my family and friends who have reached out to me or attempted to do so, and I assure them that I am open to addressing all legitimate inquiries,” he concluded.
