Alison-Madueke’s convoy not involved in road accident

The Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Fidel Pepple has described as untrue reports that the convoy of the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the NNPC, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke was involved in a deadly car crash which claimed the life of a staff of the Nigerian Pilot Newspaper in Abuja.

Mr. Pepple however confirmed that a shuttle vehicle belonging to the Corporation was involved in an accident which eventually led to the death of the Pilot Newspaper staff.

“I want to state categorically that the unfortunate event of last night has nothing to do with the convoy of the Honourable Minister as speculated. The accident involved one of our shuttle buses which regrettably knocked down a pedestrian in the Mabushi area of Abuja and was immediately rushed to the NNPC Medical Centre for attention. But sadly the young man gave up the ghost,’’ he said.”

The NNPC spokesman stated that the Minister’s convoy was not involved in the crash in any way noting that the vehicle in question is not part of the minister’s pilot vehicles.

He said the Management of the NNPC has taken steps to meet with the family of the deceased as well as the Management of Pilot Newspapers.

Mr. Fidel I. Pepple

For: Group General Manager

Group Public Affairs Division

NNPC, Abuja

14th September, 2012