Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has vehemently denied his involvement in the alleged illegal withdrawal of $6.3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Mustapha is calling for a thorough investigation into the matter, stating that the allegations are baseless and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
The report, published by an online newspaper, claims that a special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu uncovered the alleged theft, which purportedly took place on February 8, 2023, just weeks before the presidential election. It further alleges that Mustapha and the former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, authorized the removal of the cash from the bank’s vault under the guise of funding foreign election observer missions.
According to the investigator’s report, CCTV footage purportedly captured the movement of the money from the apex bank. However, Mustapha strongly refuted the accusations, labeling them as “outrageous and unsubstantiated.” He described the article as a “malicious fabrication” and an “orchestrated” attempt to assassinate his character and besmirch his reputation.
He emphasized that he had no knowledge of the alleged “Presidential Directive” cited in the report as justification for the withdrawal. Mustapha also questioned the timing of the allegations, highlighting the sensitive pre-Christmas period as a deliberate attempt to exploit public sentiment and sow seeds of doubt.
In his response, Mustapha demanded a transparent investigation into the matter and urged the authorities to probe the source of the fabricated documents, aiming to expose those behind the “smear” campaign. He called upon the public and media to approach the issue with critical thinking and resist succumbing to misinformation.
Asserting his innocence, Mustapha cited his impeccable record of upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct throughout his career in public service. He vowed to vigorously defend his reputation and ensure that the truth prevails, emphasizing that the matter goes beyond him and is about upholding the integrity of public service and safeguarding the reputation of those who have served the country with honor.
Mustapha’s stance on the allegations underscores the gravity of the situation and raises pertinent questions about the integrity of key public figures, sparking a call for accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s political landscape. As this saga unfolds, the broader implications of these allegations reverberate not only within the Nigerian public sphere but also across international corridors, igniting conversations about ethical governance, the power of misinformation, and the global battle for truth and transparency.
