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The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha has rebuffed his involvement in aiding the scandalous payment of $6.2 Million for election observers.
Mustapha absolved himself and former President Muhammadu Buhari of the allegations regarding the fraudulent payment to foreign election monitoring observers.
He made this declaration on Tuesday in Abuja, stating that the letters in question, purportedly signed by both him and President Buhari, were forged documents and did not originate from their offices.
Mustapha clarified these points while providing evidence in the trial of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
He disassociated himself from the alleged cash payment of $6.2 million to one Jubrin Abubakar on February 8, 2023, under Emefiele's supervision, noting that Abubakar was not affiliated with the SGF's office.
Addressing the alleged forged letters, Mustapha highlighted discrepancies in their format, stating that they did not adhere to the standard protocol for official correspondence from the Presidency or the SGF's office.
He emphasized that the responsibility for payments to election observers, whether local or foreign, lies solely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), not any other government agency.
Mustapha also noted several irregularities in the purported letters, such as the absence of a reference number on the Presidency's seal and the incorrect conclusion format for Federal Executive Council (FEC) decisions.
He affirmed that during his tenure, he never encountered the letter allegedly authored by President Buhari.
The trial has been adjourned to March 7, 11, and 25 for further proceedings.
