Sunday, July 17, 2016 7:30 pm
Dr. Doyin Okupe, former senior special assistant to ex President Goodluck Jonathan was two days ago invited by Nigeria anti graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC as part of the continuing investigation of mismanagement of $2.1 billion budgeted for the purchase of weapons which was mismanaged by Colonel Sambo Dasuki, former National Security Adviser.
There have been speculations on why the medical doctor turned politician was invited. However, in a statement released on Sunday, Okupe clarified the reasons for his invitation by the anti graft agency as well as what he told the investigators.
Read his full statement below:
MY RESPONSE TO MEDIA REPORTS ABOUT EFCC SUMMONS
I am constrained to issue this statement in response to certain publications contained in some National dailies about my recent summons by the Economic and Financial Crimes commission, EFCC
In my interactions with the EFCC, I have been asked to explain only three issues so far:
These are the ONLY subject of interrogation with the commission so far. My explanations were as follows:
The balance N30m was approved as take off grant for my office.
The News paper Trial
I saw strange figures like N 162m fraud, N85m fraud in the Media. Also mention was made of some alleged dubious payments of N13m and N65m from contracts supposedly obtained from chachanga LGA in Niger state.
The Fact however is that my company Romix soilfix was one of the over 20 construction companies who were duly awarded contracts for rural roads some 5yrs ago by the Niger state govt. Due to lack of funds, contractors were paid irregularly thus making the job to drag on for long. The job is still ongoing. The relationship of this to my service as Senior Special assistant to President is still not clear.
My Health status.
I confided in the officers of the commission about my health situation for them to understand why where and how I sleep was important to my overall well being.
Without clearance or authorization by me this information was revealed to the media. I woke up to hear it on radio broadcast nationwide and was published in many newspapers. This is a sad development and a definite breach of the confidence I reposed on the commission as an institution of government.
I was born with sinus bradycadia, a non disease based slowness of the heart. It precluded me from vigorous exercise from childhood but I have by God’s Grace been able to live a normal and active life. With age the slowness grew worse and life threatening. I sought medical help and went through a procedure at the Arrhythmia cardiac Research center in Atlanta, where this defect was corrected. It’s just a year ago and I am still under satellite monitor from the USA. This is what I revealed to the EFCC and they made it a public issue.
I have been in public service in more than 20years. Because of my pedigree, I have by deliberate policy avoided anything that will bring shame to me and my family.
In spite of my high level involvement in politics and government, I have never done directly or indirectly any federal government contracts. In the whole of this world, I have only two houses. One in Lagos and another in my home town. I have no house elsewhere including Abuja.
It is a pity that the situation in the country is so bad that everybody believes that there are no men with honour in politics or government. It is not true. I have submitted all my personal and company accounts to the EFCC. I have nothing to hide.
I am proud of who I am and how far the Lord has taken me. My present travails and trial will become a good testimony for me and my family in Jesus Name.
Dr Doyin Okupe
Former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs ( 2012-2015)
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