CNPP BLASTS NNPCL CEO OVER SENATE PROBE BOYCOTT, DEMANDS INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL PROBE

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has condemned the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, over his repeated failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts. In a statement signed by Deputy National Publicity Secretary Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP described Ojulari’s actions as a direct affront to democratic institutions.

Comrade James Ezema stated that the real problem lies in the National Assembly’s long-standing failure to assert its constitutional authority. “It is, therefore, laughable to see the Senate Committee on Public Accounts wailing and issuing empty threats after being snubbed again by the NNPCL GCEO,” Ezema said. He added that the committee is merely reaping what the Senate has sown over the years.

The CNPP maintained that this latest episode is not surprising, as the 10th National Assembly appears more interested in performance than in genuine oversight. Ezema noted that the continued erosion of oversight power by the legislature has emboldened appointees and heads of agencies like Ojulari to treat summons with disdain, a practice that is now institutionalized.

The group reiterated its demand for a sweeping judicial probe into the operations and finances of the NNPCL from 2017 to 2024. Ezema expressed deep concern that the current management team is already setting new records in impunity and disrespect for institutional oversight.

The CNPP emphasized its consistent demand for a comprehensive and independent audit of the NNPCL, especially in light of widespread allegations involving zero remittances to the Federation Account, fraudulent turnaround maintenance of refineries, and scandalous recruitment practices. Ezema said the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, has repeatedly failed to hold the oil corporation accountable.

The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately constitute a panel of inquiry with judicial powers to investigate the NNPCL. “The Senate has proven itself incapable of holding the NNPCL to account. The only path to uncovering the monumental fraud that has defined our oil and gas sector is through an independent, uncompromised, and transparent judicial probe,” Ezema reiterated.