TheCable

Boss Mustapha, former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), says he is not part of the alleged withdrawal of over $6 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

His statement comes on the heels of the report of the special panel tasked with probing the CBN. 

The report had disclosed that the money withdrawn from the foreign payments office, Abuja branch of the CBN, was “purportedly for foreign election observer missions”.

The panel, chaired by Jim Obazee, the special investigator who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu, probed the activities of the apex bank under Godwin Emefiele. 

The panel said the “unlawful removal” was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) “which was viewed and preserved”.

The report said a letter, dated January 23, 2023, with the signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was sent to Mustapha, with the caption ‘Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions’.

The panel said it was later found that “Buhari’s signature appeared to have been forged”.

‘I’LL DEFEND MY REPUTATION’

Reacting to the report on Sunday, Mustapha said he is not familiar with the case.

“I have no knowledge of such a directive, nor was I ever involved in any discussions or transactions regarding the alleged payment to foreign election observers,” he said. 

He added that the allegation was a malicious ploy to damage his reputation.

“The article hinges on the dubious premise of forged documents and a misleading narrative,” Mustapha said.

“It claims that $6.3 million was withdrawn from the CBN vaults based on a purported ‘Presidential Directive’ bearing the signature of President Buhari. This document, unsurprisingly, has not been presented for public scrutiny.

“I demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter.

“Let the relevant authorities probe the source of these fabricated documents and expose those responsible for this malicious attempt to damage my reputation.

“I have nothing to hide and welcome any legitimate investigation that sheds light on the truth.”

The former SGF said he would defend his reputation vigorously.

“Throughout my career in public service, I have always upheld the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. I have served with dedication and transparency, and my record speaks for itself,” he added. 

“I will not allow this baseless and defamatory attack to go unchallenged. I will defend my reputation vigorously and ensure that the truth prevails.

“This is not just about me; it is about upholding the integrity of public service and safeguarding the reputation of those who have served this country with honour.

“I trust that the Nigerian people will see through this orchestrated attack and recognize it for what it truly is: a desperate attempt to silence a voice of reason and integrity.”