The Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) on Sunday raised the alarm about a deliberate plan by one of its suspended conversion centre partner at blackmailing it and undermining the successes recorded in the Compress Natural Gas programme.
It said the sponsored campaign is being allegedly done by a certain group known as Independent Conversion Sector (ICS).
In a statement on Sunday, the PCNGI said the known alleged individual behind the group is Mr. Charles Goriola Yakub of C & L Smart Energy Limited, Lokogoma, Abuja.
The statement sas signed by Kenechukwu Chukwu, Technical Adviser, Stakeholder Management and Public Engagement
The statement said, “Records shows that C & L Smart Energy was part of the PCNGI Conversion Incentive Program up until December 2024 when it was suspended due to sharp practices of selling government kits otherwise meant to be installed for free for commercial operators at prices ranging from 200,000 naira to 1.2 million naira.
“PCNGI investigation backed with video evidence and documentation was extensive and several operators that fell victim to the sharp practices of Mr. Charles and his company came forward, some of whom also had their vehicle damaged.
“PCNGI took decisive actions against sharp practices to sanitize the system and have since referred the case for further investigation to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“We take the integrity of the program serious. As an intervention program, PCNGI does not award contracts or procure by itself, it depends on other MDAs to do so to focus on its core role of promotion and enablement.”
The PCNGI in the statement sald it remain focused on its mission and implored Nigerians to avoid distraction.
“In due course, legal actions and report to law enforcement on the ongoing electronic blackmail and cyber bullying by the subject will also be made. We hope they’re ready to defend their spurious claims in public.
“We thank the public for their abiding support for the program and promise to continue to deliver on clean, cheap and reliable transportation powered by CNG and EV vehicles for all Nigerians in line with our mandate. We shall not relent,” the statement added.
