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Senator Nwoko Denies Paris Club Refund Allegations, Cites EFCC Clearances

From ThisDay · (5d ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Senator Ned Nwoko has strongly denied recent allegations concerning the Paris Club refund, calling a report by an online platform "false, misleading and malicious."
  • Nwoko stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cleared him in four separate investigations regarding the consultancy agreement.
  • He refuted claims of receiving $350 million and denied any improper relationship with the Attorney General, accusing George Uboh and Omoyele Sowore of spearheading a misinformation campaign.

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has vehemently refuted what he terms "fresh allegations" surrounding the controversial Paris Club refund. In a robust statement issued by his media team, Nwoko has unequivocally dismissed a recent report by an online platform as "false, misleading and malicious," asserting that the matter has been exhaustively investigated and settled by the relevant authorities. This strong rebuttal comes amid recurring narratives that seek to tarnish his reputation.

false, misleading and malicious.

โ€” Senator Ned NwokoSenator Nwoko's description of a recent report concerning the Paris Club refund.

The core of Nwoko's defense rests on the repeated clearance he has received from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to his statement, no fewer than four separate investigations by the anti-graft agency have examined the consultancy agreement linked to the Paris Club refunds. All these probes, including a recent review under the current administration, have consistently concluded that the contractual obligations were duly executed and that outstanding balances remain valid. Nwoko insists these recurring allegations are a deliberate distortion of facts already established by competent authorities.

no fewer than four separate investigations

โ€” Senator Ned NwokoNwoko cites the number of investigations by the EFCC that have cleared him.

Furthermore, Senator Nwoko has categorically denied receiving $350 million, either personally or through any associated company, stressing that no such payment has ever been made. He also dismissed as "entirely unfounded and malicious" claims of any improper relationship with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. The Senator pointed fingers at specific individuals, naming George Uboh and Omoyele Sowore, whom he accused of orchestrating a sustained misinformation campaign for personal or political motives. In response to these perceived defamatory publications, legal steps have reportedly been initiated. From our Nigerian perspective, this situation highlights the persistent challenges of misinformation and the importance of relying on official investigations and established facts, especially when dealing with sensitive financial matters and public figures.

The publication is false, misleading, and a distortion of facts that relevant authorities have consistently examined.

โ€” Senator Ned NwokoNwoko reiterates his stance on the inaccuracy of the report.
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Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.