The Strategic Communication Centre for Defense and Security has dismissed a report alleging that the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, traveled to Brazil on a private jet.
The report, published by an online platform, claimed that Ojulari chartered jets for a trip to Brazil two months after an NNPCL event in Kigali, Rwanda. It also alleged that board members and senior management staff joined him on the trip.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the National Director of the Centre, Bonaventure Melah, said the allegations were false and not supported by facts.
“Our findings indicate that Mr. Ojulari has been in Nigeria this week, attending to pressing management responsibilities in line with his mandate,” Melah said.
He stressed the need for accuracy in media reporting, especially when it involves public office holders. “Public scrutiny is important in a democracy, but information shared with the public must be verified to avoid misleading people,” he added.
Melah also urged media practitioners to embrace responsible journalism and avoid reports that could damage reputations without evidence.
He reiterated the Centre’s support for transparency and accountability in public service, saying officials should be allowed to perform their duties without distractions caused by unfounded claims.
