Mustapha denied knowing about the purported ‘Presidential Directive’ cited in the report to justify the withdrawal, insisting he was never involved in discussions or transactions related to any payments for foreign election observers.
Boss Mustapha has denied conniving with Emefiele to illegally withdraw $6.2 million cash before the 2023 Presidential Election in Nigeria.
News update reports that the Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has debunked the allegation of illegal withdrawal of $6.3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
This Nigeria news platform understands that the news report circulated online during the weekend alleging that a special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu uncovered the alleged theft, which supposedly occurred weeks before the presidential election.
The report further alleged that Mustapha and the embattled former Governor of CBN, Godwin Emefiele, authorized the removal of the cash from the bank’s vault under the guise of funding foreign election observer missions.
As quoted by the Peoples Gazette, the investigator’s report claimed CCTV footage captured how the money was moved out of the apex bank.
However, Mustapha, in a statement on Sunday, described the reports as malicious fabrication and an orchestrated attempt to assassinate his character and reputation.
Mustapha denied knowing about the purported ‘Presidential Directive’ cited in the report to justify the withdrawal, insisting he was never involved in discussions or transactions related to any payments for foreign election observers.
The former SGF demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, urging the authorities to probe the source of the fabricated documents and expose those behind the smear campaign.
Mustapha questioned the timing of the allegations, pointing to the sensitive pre-Christmas period as a deliberate attempt to exploit public sentiment and sow seeds of doubt.
Mustapha further appealed to the public and media to exercise critical thinking and not succumb to misinformation.
Part of the statement reads: “The article hinges on the dubious premise of forged documents and a misleading narrative. It claims that $6.3 million was withdrawn from the CBN vaults based on a purported “Presidential Directive” bearing the signature of President Buhari.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 do not know such a directive, nor was I ever involved in any discussions or transactions regarding the alleged payment to foreign election observers.
“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.
“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. 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.”
