NNPCL CEO’s Absence Stalls Reps’ Probe On Illegal Acquisition Of Energy Security Contract

The House of Representatives’ investigative hearing into the irregularities and alleged corruption in the Nigeria energy security provided in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Retail and the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing, was stalled on Monday.

The Investigative hearing was postponed sine die, sequel to the absence of NNPCL Group Managing Director/CEO, Mele Kyari, as well as Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDRA), Engineer Farouk Ahmed.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Hassan Abubakar Nalaraba, explained that the Ad-hoc Committee was mandated to investigate the irregularities and alleged corruption in the Nigeria Energy security provider by the NNPC Limited and the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing.

According to him, “the House resolved to set up this ad hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of OVH Energy by NNPCL and report within four weeks.

“The time allocated to conclude and submit this report within four weeks.

“Unfortunately, we are far behind schedule despite the extension of the House recess, we still feel the need to continue or to progress with this investigation,” he noted.

After acknowledging the presence of the stakeholders invited to the hearing, NNPCL Group Managing Director (GMD), Mele Kyari who was represented by NNPPRA, Mr. Soji Soloye who represented explained that the Group Managing Director was unavoidably absent.

While responding to the Ad-hoc Committee’s inquiry, Executive Vice President Downstream at NNPC Limited, who spoke on behalf of the NNPCL GMD/CEO Yemi said: “I bring to you the humble apologies of Malam Mele Kyari, the group CEO NNPC Limited he’s unable to attend.

“Last week we’ve actually sent a letter of his regrets about unavailability this week.

“Despite that, he still wanted to be here personally and he has reached out to this Committee but unfortunately he has an emergency and he’s unable to attend today’s session.

“So, he has asked that I come to express his deep apologies to this gathering.”

When asked about NNPC Retail, Mr. Adetunji said: “Like I said earlier, the Group CEO of NNPC Limited can speak for all entities at NNPC Limited.”

Also speaking, Soji Soloye who spoke on behalf of Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority explained that Engineer Farouk Ahmed also sent his apologies.

While giving the Ad-hoc Committee’s position, Hon. Nalaraba said: “We are actually expecting the CEOs of NNPC Limited and the NNPPPRA in this public hearing.

“But unfortunately both of them are unavoidably absent.

“So, I don’t think, or do you have what it takes to speak for them in this public hearing?

“Can you provide us with appropriate information we required today? If you can, then we can proceed with the public hearing.

“Because we need a representative that can speak on their behalf.

“Are you ready to speak on their behalf? Are you ready to answer on their behalf?

“Does your representation here amount to their personal views, if you’re being called upon to make presentation out of oath?

“Can you do that? Can you take that for them?” the Chairman asked.

While responding, Mr. Adetunji said: “Honourable Chairman Sir, unfortunately no sir. Unfortunately no, the GCO, unfortunately no. With due respect to this Committee, to reiterate the GCO wrote that he would be able to come and speak on the matter, Sir.”

While venting her view, Hon. Mariam Onuoha, who sponsored the motion said: “I believe with your statement that you are not able to speak on behalf of NNPC Limited or NNPC Retail.

“And haven made that statement clearly, I will want to move a motion that the committee will not be able to go on with this public hearing.

“And I move that this session be adjourned pending when we have your submission to a latter date when either you or the Group Managing Director/CEO would make himself available to address the Committee.

“And if you may, it’s advisable to you submit your documents ahead of time so that the Committee would have it to study either before he comes or whoever will make appearances for him.”

She noted that the Ad-hoc Committee is working out the best modalities on how to fast track the investigative hearing because time is fast spent.

Hence, she moved a motion for the Ad-hoc Committee to resort to an executive session to allow the lawmakers to sort out time for the appearance of the invited stakeholders.

– Nigerian Tribune