Press Release by Festus Keyamo On Alleged False Allegations Against Dumebi Kachikwu, Younger Brother to Dr. Ibe Kachikwu (GMD, NNPC, And Minister of State, Petroleum Resources)

Tuesday, January 26, 2016  We are solicitors to Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, who is the younger brother to Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the GMD of NNPC and Minister of State, Petroleum Resources. We issue this statement on his behalf. Our client’s attention has been drawn to recent unsubstantiated reports in a section of the media alleging, amongst other things, the interference of our client in the running of the NNPC as well as his alleged influence in the determination of who gets what at the NNPC. For the avoidance of doubt, our client states categorically that he has never and will never interfere with his brother’s laudable work at the NNPC or in the discharge of his duties as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. Those who know the Kachikwu family from Delta State will attest to their very proud heritage and it is inconceivable to think that the highly cerebral Dr. Ibe Kachikwu would find it difficult to draw a line between family and public office. The truth of the matter is that those who are sponsors of these publications are expressing their frustration at not getting what they want through cronies and family members, as has always been the custom. They cannot align themselves with the new regime of due process, competence and transparency in the NNPC. They have, therefore, resorted to blackmail. Unfortunately, a section of the Press is now a willing tool in their hands. In the light of the above, we have our client’s instruction to issue the necessary legal processes against any media organization which henceforth publishes such unsubstantiated allegations against the person of our client or the Kachikwu family. Thank you. FESTUS KEYAMO, ESQ.