A coalition of Civil Society Groups has decried what they term as attempted blackmail and extortion against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and other government entities in light of allegations regarding 48 million barrels of missing crude oil.
At a press briefing held in Lagos on Friday, Mr Declan Ihekaire, co-convener of the group, vehemently condemned these actions, asserting, “We find it necessary to shed light on the disturbing actions of Mr. George Uboh, who has been engaged in a relentless campaign of serial blackmail and extortion against Kyari and other government agencies, including corporate institutions.”
The group’s concern stemmed from recent allegations raised by Uboh, following a resolution by the House of Representatives in December 2022 to probe the purported missing 48 million barrels of crude oil, purportedly sold in China by certain Nigerian officials based on information provided by Uboh, a whistleblower.
However, a subsequent investigation by the house ad-hoc committee on June 7 deemed the claim as false and unsubstantiated, urging the EFCC, ICPC, and Police to take action against those spreading such false information.
While acknowledging their stance against corruption within public and private institutions, Ihekaire emphasised the necessity of addressing such concerns through proper legal channels rather than resorting to blackmail or extortion.
He stated, “Every citizen, regardless of their status or affiliation, is entitled to a fair and just legal proceeding. No individual should place themselves above the law or seek to manipulate it for personal gain.”
Highlighting Uboh’s history of allegedly publishing false information against individuals and organisations in Nigeria, Ihekaire urged Uboh and his associates to halt attempts at blackmail and extortion and respect the ongoing legal processes.
He said, “For the avoidance of doubt, Uboh upon, a self styled whistle blower who is known to have allegedly published false information against hundreds of individuals and organisations, in Nigeria, over the past years.
“It may interest you to know that it was the same Uhoh that ran to the National Assembly to constitute a panel toward unravelling his petition.
“After the national assembly dismissed his petition and cleared NNPCL of such lies, he ran to the court.
“His activities have earned him several arrests and convictions.”
Ihekaire noted the coalition’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and due process, calling upon all stakeholders to support proper legal avenues to address societal concerns.
NAN