By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The Senate has distanced itself from an arrest warrant reportedly issued against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, while also rebuking Senator Adams Oshiomhole for describing the national oil company as a “bunch of criminals and thieves” during a heated Public Accounts Committee hearing.
The development followed controversy arising from the committee’s proceedings, where lawmakers expressed frustration over Kyari’s failure to appear before the panel despite several invitations.
Senate sources clarified that the upper chamber had not authorized any arrest warrant against the former NNPCL boss, stressing that actions taken by committees do not automatically constitute the position of the entire Senate.
The Senate also frowned at Oshiomhole’s comments against the NNPCL, describing the remarks as inappropriate and capable of undermining public confidence in a strategic national institution.
However, Oshiomhole stood his ground and refused to retract the statement. The former Edo State governor renewed his demand for a full investigation into Kyari’s tenure at the oil company, insisting that Nigerians deserve answers on issues raised before the committee.
He explained that his reference to “thieves” was made in anger after what he described as Kyari’s persistent disregard for legislative oversight.
According to Oshiomhole, the former NNPCL chief had failed to honour invitations to appear before the committee on nine separate occasions, a situation he said provoked strong reactions from lawmakers.
The latest exchange has further heightened tensions surrounding ongoing legislative scrutiny of the NNPCL, with calls growing for greater accountability and transparency in the management of the nation’s oil resources.
About The Author
