Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has instructed his attorneys to pursue legal action against anyone who have published “false and malicious” statements made in the Parliament last Friday by Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal.
The statements, which he said have been promoted via social media by people associated with the Opposition United National Congress (UNC), have to do with a statement Moonilal read into Hansard alleging corruption linked to the fake oil scandal at Petrotrin.
Moonilal said in Parliament: “The oil is fake, but the money is real, follow the money.”
However, as he read the contents of an email with details of a foreign bank account, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi intervened declaring that Moonilal had made a direct indictment on the Prime Minister. The Opposition MP reluctantly withdrew the statement.
In a media release yesterday, Rowley denied claims that either he or his wife had received wire transfers or cheque payments from or on behalf of A&V Drilling.
“Any and all statements, innuendoes or assertions however made by Dr Roodal Moonilal or any other person contradictory to this are nothing but patent falsehoods concocted by such persons as a deliberate slanderous conspiracy for self-serving political gain,” the release stated.
Noting that the board of State-owned energy company Petrotrin continues to deal with allegations of overpayment for oil, the release continued: “This Government’s track record against corruption speaks for itself and the Honourable Prime Minister assures that he will defend his family and his good name to the fullest extent that the law provides.”
Contacted for comment, Petrotrin chairman Wilfred Espinet said the investigation into the fake oil allegations is nearing completion and the company will be reporting soon on those developments.