Immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB, Simbi Kesiye Wabote, has refuted report of his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC reportedly had a chat with Wabote on Tuesday over a $35 million energy infrastructure park conceptualised by Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited in Okpoama community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Wabote denied his purported arrest.
He said: “I was supposed to go there on October 29, but I wrote to them to say that I would be travelling out of the country and I would come when I return. Yesterday (Tuesday), I walked in and they took my statement and I came home and slept.”
Wabote explained that there was no fraud case involving Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
The ex-Executive Secretary explained the matter is the case of a company that is having cash flow challenges.
He also debunked the allegation that NCDMB under his watch made a bad investment in Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
Wabote said: “We invested in about 17 different opportunities and most of them are progressing. The only one that has a challenge is the Atlantic Refinery. The promoter has not walked away from the project. He has written to the NCDMB, telling the Board to give him a plan so he can buy them out. Even in the Board meeting, they have taken a resolution.
“He said he has a cash flow challenge and he will complete the project. ‘But if you are not prepared to come along with me, agree with me a plan so that I can buy you out.’ So, it is just a business that has a challenge. It has nothing to do with fraud and nothing to do with scam.”
He expressed disappointment in the media for fabricating falsehood to destroy his reputation.
