Ex-NNPC boss, Mele Kyari finally appears before Senate over N210tn audit queries
Former NNPCL CEO Testifies Before Senate Committee Amid Financial Investigation
Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday to address allegations of financial irregularities within the company.
Kyari arrived at Hearing Room 4 of the National Assembly, accompanied by several oil company officials. His attendance comes months after lawmakers threatened to invoke their constitutional powers to compel him to testify.
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The Senate’s inquiry focuses on alleged financial discrepancies and outstanding audit queries related to NNPCL’s accounts from 2017 to 2023, involving amounts exceeding 210 trillion naira. The investigation was initiated following a series of audit queries forwarded to the committee by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation.
The committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe North, had previously warned it might take action to ensure Kyari’s attendance due to his failure to respond to multiple invitations. This decision followed a motion introduced by Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central, who expressed concern over what he characterized as ongoing delays to the investigation.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole further criticized Kyari, suggesting that the former CEO should face arrest for allegedly failing to account for financial mismanagement during his tenure. Oshiomhole insisted that Kyari should address the committee personally rather than delegating the matter to representatives.
However, the Senate clarified that its committees lack the authority to issue or enforce arrest warrants autonomously. Such actions would require adherence to the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and the explicit approval of the Senate President.
Additionally, the Senate distanced itself from Oshiomhole’s comments, which described NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves,” stating that his remarks did not reflect the official stance of the legislative body.
