Just in: Ex-NNPCL boss Kyari appears before Senate panel over N210t audit queries
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineFormer Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday over alleged financial irregularities in the company’s accounts between 2017 and 2023.
Kyari arrived at Hearing Room 4 of the National Assembly alongside a delegation of oil company officials, months after lawmakers threatened to compel his appearance over unresolved audit queries involving more than N210tn.
The Senate investigation followed audit queries forwarded to the committee by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, prompting lawmakers to demand explanations from Kyari and other NNPCL officials.
The committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, representing Gombe North, had resolved to invoke its constitutional powers to compel the former oil chief to appear after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations.
The decision followed a motion moved by Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, amid concerns among lawmakers over what they described as attempts to frustrate the investigation.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole had also called for Kyari’s arrest, accusing him of failing to account for alleged financial mismanagement during his tenure.
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The former Edo State governor urged the committee to issue an arrest warrant, insisting that Kyari should personally appear before the panel to explain the company’s financial records rather than send representatives.
However, the Senate later clarified that no committee had the authority to issue, authorise or execute an arrest warrant without complying with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and obtaining the express approval of the Senate President.
The Red Chamber also distanced itself from Oshiomhole’s description of the NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves,” saying the comment did not represent the Senate’s position.
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