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Former Cepep chairman Joel Edwards has denied that Cabinet approval was ever required or obtained for the controversial extension of 336 contracts, challenging the company’s own claim that it was misled into making a $400 million commitment.

Cepep alleges its board extended the contracts through 2029 after being falsely told that Cabinet had approved the move. But Edwards, in an affidavit, says no such directive was ever confirmed during his tenure. He adds that a board document citing Cabinet approval was inaccurate and later corrected.

Cepep insists it was deceived into acting on what it calls political fraud and is now seeking a court injunction while probing potential criminal misconduct.