The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has reiterated its demand for the appearance of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, as part of its ongoing investigation into audit queries involving an alleged N210 trillion highlighted in reports of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
The committee’s position followed Kyari’s failure to honour several invitations extended to him in connection with the probe. Lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as repeated non-compliance with the committee’s summons.
The investigation is based on observations contained in the Auditor-General’s report, which raised questions regarding financial transactions and records within the NNPCL during the period under review.
During the committee’s latest sitting, Senator Victor Umeh called for the issuance of a warrant to compel Kyari’s appearance before the panel, noting that previous efforts to secure his attendance had been unsuccessful.
Senator Tony Nwoye informed the committee that he had spoken with the former NNPCL chief and was told that Kyari is currently receiving medical treatment in Germany. However, the explanation did not satisfy some members of the committee.
Senator Kenneth Eze questioned the relevance of the submission, stressing that the committee’s work should proceed in line with established legislative procedures.
Ruling on the matter, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, upheld the decision to issue a warrant compelling Kyari’s appearance before the panel.
Dankwambo said the committee would communicate its resolution to Senate President Godswill Akpabio for the necessary action, maintaining that the investigation must continue until all issues raised in the audit report are adequately addressed.
