TheCable

Cleric Ebikonbowei Alaowei, chairman, board of trustees, Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (CHURAC), says the allegation against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited over a “stolen” 48 million barrel of crude oil is baseless.

The house of representatives had set up a panel to probe a whistleblower’s claims that 48 million barrels of Bonny Light crude were illegally sold in China in 2015.

The alleged sale reportedly led to a loss of $2.4 billion in revenue.

In a statement, on Tuesday, Alaowei said the allegation has no atom of truth, adding that there is an attempt to blackmail the company.

“While we support every genuine move to checkmate corrupt activities both in private and public sectors, some whistleblowers have now taken advantage of the gesture to witch hunt perceived enemies,” Alaowei said.

“Some are now indulging in cyber bullying or stalking, while others carry out smear campaigns in the media to assassinate the characters of their victims.

“If the accusers believe that the NNPC Limited CEO, Mele kyari, or any member of the company has committed a criminal offence, they should channel the campaign to the appropriate quarters.

“The steps taken by the house of representatives ad hoc committee on illegal sale of 48m barrel of crude oil is therefore condemnable.

“We call on the NNPC Limited not to succumb to the pressure by blackmailers. We also call on the anti-corruption agencies to invite these so-called protesters and their sponsors for interrogation and possible prosecution if found wanting.”