Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has described allegations against its Chief Executive of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe as a campaign by some individuals to smear his reputation.
The Commission in a statement Thursday in Abuja, said the allegations were not only malicious and completely false, but were libelous and unsubstantiated.
NUPRC Staff had barricaded the gate of the Commission demanding the immediate sack of Gbenga Komolafe, alleging he was using his position to engage in fraudulent activities.
According to the workers, Komolafe is said to be engaged in illegal recruitment, and a lack of regard for workers’ welfare, among others.
The protesting members of staff had dressed in black and red attire, in their hundreds to besiege and place a casket bearing ‘RIP Fraud’ at the main entrance to the NUPRC complex.
The Commission stated that the sum of N10 billion alleged to have been misappropriated with N4 billion donated to political parties under Komolafe, was completely false, daring the protesting workers to publish details of the transaction.
“The purveyor of the falsehood is challenged to publish details of the account of the Commission from where the donations originated from and the accounts of the political parties involved where the N4 billion and N6 billion was deposited,” the statement said.
The Commission stated that every employment exercise followed due process. According to the Commission, the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 empowers the board of the Commission to appoint, promote and remuneration.
It added that statutorily, the Federal Character Commission regulates compliance with statutory procedure with regards to recruitment into public establishments, noting that the recruitment alleged was done in compliance with all procedures and compliance certificates issued.
“The issue raised during the industrial action relates to sundry claims including travel expenses which are paid from time to time in line with the availability of funds,” it further said.
