Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, refuted claims of authorizing the $6.2 million purportedly allocated for international election observers,Daily Trust reports.
During his testimony in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, Mustapha hinted at the possibility of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature being falsified.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lodged amended charges against Emefiele, encompassing allegations of criminal conspiracy, granting undue advantage, and breach of trust, among others.
Under questioning by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Mustapha asserted his lack of awareness regarding the transaction, stating he only became aware of it in December 2023, after his tenure had ended.
Upon examination of the purported approval document from the president’s office, Mustapha remarked, “Based on my extensive service of five years and seven months, this document does not appear to have originated from the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Federal Executive Council (FEC) decisions are not communicated via letters but through extracts following adopted conclusions.
“As the custodian of FEC records, the president does not direct executive conclusions to me.
“Throughout my tenure, I have never encountered the term ‘special appropriation provision.’ The terms I am familiar with are appropriation as outlined in the Appropriation Act passed by the national assembly, and supplementary appropriation for bridging gaps.
“I have never received correspondences from President Buhari containing the phrase ‘please accept the assurance of my highest regard.’ I am his subordinate. The signature appears to be an unsuccessful attempt at replicating President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature. However, I defer judgment on this matter to the experts.”
