Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North, has called for the appearance of Mele Kyari, former group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, before the Senate to answer questions over alleged financial misconduct involving the oil company.
Speaking during a heated exchange at a Senate investigative hearing on Wednesday, Oshiomhole urged the committee to invoke its constitutional powers and compel the attendance of Kyari and other relevant officials.
The hearing is part of the Senate’s ongoing probe into the financial activities of the national oil company.
During the session, Senator Tony Nwoye of Anambra North informed the committee that Kyari had travelled to Germany for medical treatment.
KYARI MUST ANSWER, DEAD OR ALIVE
Reacting, Oshiomhole insisted that the former NNPC boss must appear before lawmakers regardless of his location.
“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 today and bring Mele Kyari,” he said.
“We must bring Mele Kyari, dead or alive, before this Senate to answer questions over the alleged financial misconduct involving trillions of naira.”
The former Edo governor questioned the source of funds used by Kyari for his medical treatment abroad.
“Where did he get the money to settle his medical bills in Germany?” he asked.
Oshiomhole also rejected attempts by officials of the company to represent the former NNPC chief before the committee.
“Kyari is no longer the CEO of NNPC and cannot be represented by any official of the company,” he said.
The senator further accused the NNPC of having a longstanding reputation for financial impropriety.
“The NNPC has a reputation for fraud,” he said.
“You can’t say Nigerians want jobs in NNPC without acknowledging that many people seek employment there because the company is known for fraud.”
The comments triggered sharp reactions during the hearing as lawmakers continued their scrutiny of the company’s financial records and operations.
