The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have praised the Senate's decision to order the arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari. They have called on President Bola Tinubu to facilitate international cooperation to ensure Kyari appears before investigative authorities in Nigeria.
Background of the Investigation
The CNPP and CNCSOs stated that the arrest order follows Kyari's repeated failure to honour invitations from the Senate committee investigating audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation. In a joint statement released in Kaduna by the deputy national publicity secretary of CNPP, James Ezema, and the national secretary of CNCSOs, Alhaji Ali Abacha, the groups described the Senate's action as a significant affirmation of the National Assembly's constitutional oversight powers. They noted that it sends a strong message that no public official, past or present, is above accountability under the law.
Allegations and Public Concern
The groups highlighted that for several years, numerous allegations regarding financial management, transparency, procurement processes, crude oil accounting, refinery rehabilitation expenditures, fuel subsidy administration, and other NNPCL operations under Kyari's leadership have dominated public discourse. While many allegations remain unproven and subject to investigation, they have generated widespread public concern and demands for thorough, independent, and transparent scrutiny.
It is disturbing that despite the seriousness of the audit queries identified by the Auditor-General's office and repeated invitations by the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Kyari allegedly failed to appear before lawmakers to provide explanations on issues of significant public interest, Ezema said. He noted that the Senate committee commenced detailed scrutiny of NNPCL accounts following audit observations covering multiple years and issued invitations and summonses to former officials, including Kyari. Rather than cooperating, the former NNPCL boss reportedly failed to appear on multiple occasions, leading to the order directing security agencies to produce him.
Call for Accountability
The CNPP and CNCSOs stressed that accountability is the cornerstone of democratic governance. Public officers entrusted with national resources owe Nigerians a duty to account for their stewardship when called upon by constitutionally empowered institutions. The groups expressed concern over the widespread perception that anti-corruption agencies, especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have not demonstrated sufficient urgency in investigating allegations surrounding the management of petroleum resources. They underscored the need for transparent, professional, and impartial investigations to restore public confidence.
The statement called on President Tinubu to ensure all relevant security and law enforcement agencies provide the necessary support to enforce lawful directives related to the investigations. If credible information indicates Kyari is outside the country, the Federal Government should explore all lawful international cooperation mechanisms, including INTERPOL and bilateral arrangements, to secure his appearance before competent authorities.
Ezema and Abacha clarified that their position is not a declaration of guilt but a demand for accountability, transparency, and respect for democratic institutions. They urged the Senate Public Accounts Committee to remain steadfast, professional, and non-partisan, and called on anti-corruption agencies to diligently investigate all allegations and audit observations. The Nigerian people deserve full transparency, answers to all legitimate audit queries, and accountability from all who have managed public resources on their behalf.
