By Peace Udugba
Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Wednesday called for the immediate arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement during his tenure.
Speaking during a Senate committee session, Oshiomhole accused the former NNPCL chief of failing to account for the alleged mismanagement of trillions of naira and urged lawmakers not to delay in exercising their constitutional powers.
The former Edo State governor said the committee must demonstrate the courage and determination to compel Kyari to appear and answer questions regarding issues raised in audit reports concerning the national oil company.
“Mr. Chairman, this committee must have the courage and the will to deploy its powers as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and issue a warrant, not tomorrow but today, and bring Mele Kyari,” Oshiomhole said.
He further alleged that significant revenues had not been properly accounted for at a time when the country was relying on borrowing to finance key projects.
“At a time when the country is borrowing money, we have sources of revenue that have not been accounted for. There are serious issues raised not by laymen but by competent auditors, and the man is joking. Where did he get the money to pay his medical bills in Germany? Having failed repeatedly, we cannot condone this,” he added.
Oshiomhole also insisted that Kyari could not delegate the responsibility of answering questions relating to decisions taken during his tenure as head of the NNPCL.
“Mele Kyari cannot be represented by another person. He is no longer the managing director, and it is his responsibility to account for his actions as MD. He cannot be represented in that capacity,” the senator stated.
The Senate committee has yet to announce any decision regarding Oshiomhole’s call for a warrant of arrest or further action against the former NNPCL chief.
