- Cites EFCC clearance, rejects ‘malicious’ claims
Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the Nigerian Senate, has issued an official clarification on the ongoing controversy regarding unpaid consultancy fees owed to his company
Providing an update on the matter through a formal statement released by his media team in Abuja on Friday, the lawmaker said, “The attention of Senator Ned Nwoko has been drawn to another willful and malicious publication by Sahara Reporters alleging fresh claims relating to the Paris Club refund matters.
“The publication is false, misleading, and a distortion of facts that have been consistently examined by relevant authorities. For clarity, four separate investigations have been conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the matter, including a recent review ordered under the current administration.
“All reached the same conclusion: that the contractual work was duly executed, while outstanding balances remain due under established agreements.”
Offering further insight, the statement reads “These findings are also supported by official records within the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria, where all federal payments are processed, documented, and subject to audit.
“Allegations linking the Senator to any improper collaboration with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, are entirely unfounded and malicious.”
While fingering some individuals, including George Uboh and Omoyele Sowore, as key drivers of a calculated smear campaign against him, Nwoko accused them of spreading false information regarding his involvement in Paris Club refunds for personal or political gain.
Consequently, he disclosed that appropriate legal proceedings have been initiated against the concerned individuals and their affiliates to combat these alleged criminal defamatory publications.
He urged the public to disregard unverified narratives and rely strictly on official records and established institutional findings, adding: “For the avoidance of doubt and for clarity , we state unequivocally that there is no ‘fresh claim’ and that at no time was $350m paid to Ned Nwoko or his company. He remains committed to due process, transparency, and the rule of law.”
