By Gloria Drealomalicha
The Senate has formally distanced itself from the arrest warrant issued against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, by its Committee on Public Accounts.
Speaking on Thursday, the upper chamber clarified that the warrant was a decision taken by the committee in the course of its investigative duties and did not represent the official position of the Senate as an institution.
The development comes amid growing public interest in the ongoing probe involving the state-owned oil company and its former leadership. Kyari, who served as the head of NNPC Limited during a period of significant reforms and challenges within Nigeria’s petroleum sector, has remained a key figure in discussions surrounding the investigation.
The Senate also sought to dissociate itself from comments reportedly made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, during Wednesday’s committee hearing. Oshiomhole was reported to have described the NNPC as a “bunch of criminals and thieves” while addressing issues raised during the session.
According to the Senate, the remarks reflected the personal views of the lawmaker and should not be interpreted as the collective position of the legislative chamber.
The clarification is expected to ease concerns over perceptions that the Senate had adopted an official stance on the matter before the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
As scrutiny of the NNPC’s operations continues, lawmakers have reiterated the need for due process, transparency and accountability, while maintaining that individuals and institutions under investigation should be given a fair hearing.
Leave a Reply