The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has reiterated that he stands by his statement at The Petroleum Club’s quarterly event in Lagos, that the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB) wasted over $500 million of the industry’s fund in equity investments in private establishments and in loans that are now non-performing.
The minster, while reacting to recent media statement by Simbi Wabote, former executive secretary of the NCDMB, dismissed as blatant lies from the pit of hell claims that his office requested for increase on NCDMB budget by N30 billion for the office of the Minister.
In a statement signed by Nneamaka Okafor, SA Media and Communication, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), the minister noted: “Our position is that he who alleges must prove same. So, if Mr. Wabote has proof of such conversation, he is challenged to provide same.
“Secondly the Minister has no aide called Blackson. All his aides were duly selected in line with extant laws and have documents to that effect.”
According to the statement, “The Minister in his capacity as chairman of the Governing Council stands by his statement at The Petroleum Club’s quarterly event in Lagos, and as journalists I welcome you to visit the places mentioned to verify the allegations for yourself.
“Thirdly, the said Atlantic Refinery was supposed to be built in Mr Wabote’s hometown, he should show Nigerians where that refinery is.
“Fourthly, the Brass Fertiliser and Petrochemical company was also paid for, you are welcomed to also visit the site to verify the facts for yourself.”
The statement noted that investigations are ongoing, and the truth will surely come to light and monies belonging to the generality of Nigerians will be recovered for Nigerians.
“Let me add that these revelations are not new, they were first made during an investigative hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Local Content. Again, the records are there, and you are welcome to verify these facts.
“The Minister has never been part of any budgeting process of any parastatal under the Ministry, you are welcomed to visit these agencies to verify for yourself.
“Finally, the Minister’s office is run with a budget superintended by the permanent secretary and so one will wonder, how the Minister will ask another entity to make provisions for the budget of his Office. The Minister has an impeccable record from his time as Minister of Agric and will continue to stand for the truth.
“The Minister and indeed the Chairman of the Governing Council of the NCDMB will not abdicate his responsibility to please anyone. He has a responsibility to ensure that, that which belongs to Nigerians is judiciously used for Nigerians.
“I have had course to read Mr Wabote’s release and every one can see that he is still nursing the wounds of being replaced even after spending seven years at the Board. At best, this is a clear case of when you fight corruption, corruption will fight back.”
