The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have thrown their weight behind the Senate Public Accounts Committee's decision to order the arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, over his alleged repeated failure to honour invitations connected to ongoing investigations into audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation.
In a joint press statement issued on Thursday and signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of the CNCSOs, the two umbrella bodies described the Senate's action as a significant step toward enforcing accountability in public office and strengthening democratic oversight institutions.
According to the statement, the Senate Committee's decision "represents a significant affirmation of the constitutional oversight powers of the National Assembly and sends a strong message that no public official, past or present, is above accountability under the law."
The organisations noted that allegations relating to the management of the nation's petroleum resources during Kyari's tenure have remained a major issue in public discourse for years, generating widespread calls for scrutiny and accountability.
The statement said, "For several years, numerous allegations relating to financial management, transparency, procurement processes, crude oil accounting, refinery rehabilitation expenditures, fuel subsidy administration, and other matters associated with the operations of the NNPCL under the leadership of Mallam Mele Kyari have dominated public discourse."
While emphasizing that the allegations remain subject to investigation and have not been proven, the groups stressed that the concerns have generated "widespread public concern and sustained demands for thorough, independent, and transparent scrutiny."
Expressing concern over the former NNPCL chief executive's reported failure to appear before lawmakers, the organisations described the situation as disturbing given the gravity of the audit issues under review.
"It is therefore disturbing that despite the seriousness of the audit queries reportedly identified by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and despite repeated invitations by the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Mallam Kyari has allegedly failed to appear before lawmakers to provide explanations and clarifications on issues of significant public interest," the statement said.
The groups disclosed that available records indicate that the Senate Committee commenced detailed scrutiny of NNPCL accounts following audit observations covering multiple years and subsequently invited former officials, including Kyari, to assist lawmakers in resolving outstanding issues.
According to the statement, "Rather than providing the necessary cooperation expected of a former chief executive of a strategic national institution, the former NNPCL boss reportedly failed to appear before the committee on multiple occasions, culminating in the recent order directing security agencies to produce him before the lawmakers."
The CNPP and CNCSOs maintained that accountability remains the foundation of democratic governance and that all public officials must be answerable for their stewardship.
"Public officers entrusted with the management of national resources owe Nigerians a duty to account for their stewardship whenever called upon by constitutionally empowered institutions," the groups declared.
The organisations also raised concerns about public perceptions regarding the pace of investigations into allegations surrounding the management of petroleum resources, particularly by anti-corruption agencies.
"We are particularly concerned by the widespread perception among Nigerians that anti-corruption agencies, especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have not demonstrated sufficient urgency in investigating several allegations and concerns surrounding the management of the nation's petroleum resources during the relevant period," the statement read.
The groups, however, noted that whether such perceptions are justified or not, they highlight the importance of transparent and impartial investigations capable of restoring public trust.
"Whether such perceptions are justified or not, they underscore the need for transparent, professional, and impartial investigations capable of restoring public confidence in our institutions," they stated.
The organisations subsequently called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that all relevant security and law-enforcement agencies provide support for the enforcement of lawful directives arising from the investigations.
"Consequently, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to ensure that all relevant security and law enforcement agencies provide the necessary support required to enforce lawful directives issued in connection with the ongoing investigations," the statement said.
In one of the strongest portions of the statement, the CNPP and CNCSOs urged the Federal Government to explore international legal channels if credible evidence suggests that Kyari is outside Nigeria.
"Where credible information indicates that Mallam Mele Kyari is outside the country and unavailable to honour the summons of constitutionally empowered authorities, the Federal Government should explore all lawful international cooperation mechanisms available under Nigerian and international law, including engagement through INTERPOL and relevant bilateral arrangements, for the sole purpose of securing his appearance before competent investigative and oversight authorities," the groups stated.
The organisations emphasized that their demand should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against the former NNPCL chief.
"Our position is not a declaration of guilt. Rather, it is a demand for accountability, transparency, and respect for democratic institutions," they said.
The statement further stressed that "every citizen, regardless of status, influence, or former office held, must be prepared to answer legitimate questions regarding the management of public resources."
The CNPP and CNCSOs also called on the Senate Public Accounts Committee to remain professional and impartial in the discharge of its constitutional mandate while urging anti-graft agencies to diligently investigate all outstanding financial queries and audit observations.
"The CNPP and CNCSOs therefore urge the Senate Public Accounts Committee to remain steadfast, professional, and non-partisan in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities," the statement said.
The groups added that anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant institutions, must ensure that "all allegations, audit observations, and financial queries concerning the management of public resources are diligently investigated and appropriately resolved in accordance with the law."
Concluding their statement, the organisations argued that Nigerians deserve full disclosure and accountability from those entrusted with public resources.
"The Nigerian people deserve full transparency. They deserve answers to all legitimate audit queries. They deserve accountability from all who have managed public resources on their behalf," the statement concluded.
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