Groups Urge Tinubu to Facilitate Kyari’s Appearance Before Senate Probe Panel

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have endorsed the decision of the Senate Public Accounts Committee to order the arrest of former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, over his alleged failure to honour multiple invitations related to an ongoing audit investigation.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the groups described the Senate committee’s action as a strong affirmation of the National Assembly’s constitutional oversight responsibilities and a demonstration that no public official is above accountability.

According to the organisations, concerns surrounding the management of the NNPCL during Kyari’s tenure have remained a subject of public debate for years, particularly issues relating to financial management, procurement processes, crude oil accounting, refinery rehabilitation spending, and fuel subsidy administration.

While noting that many of the allegations remain unproven and require proper investigation, the groups stressed that public concerns warrant transparent scrutiny by relevant authorities.

The CNPP and CNCSOs expressed concern that despite the seriousness of audit queries reportedly raised by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, Kyari had allegedly failed to appear before the Senate Public Accounts Committee after several invitations.

The groups noted that the committee began examining NNPCL accounts following audit observations covering multiple years and subsequently invited former officials, including Kyari, to clarify issues arising from the audit process.

They argued that public officials entrusted with the management of national resources have a responsibility to account for their stewardship whenever called upon by constitutionally empowered institutions.

The organisations also raised concerns about what they described as public perceptions of insufficient urgency by anti-corruption agencies in addressing allegations linked to the management of Nigeria’s petroleum resources during the period under review.

According to the statement, whether such perceptions are justified or not, they highlight the importance of transparent, professional, and impartial investigations capable of restoring public confidence in public institutions.

The groups therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that security and law enforcement agencies provide the necessary support for the enforcement of lawful directives issued in connection with the ongoing investigation.

They further urged the Federal Government to explore lawful international cooperation mechanisms, including engagement through INTERPOL and relevant bilateral arrangements, if credible information confirms that Kyari is outside the country and unavailable to respond to the summons of investigative authorities.

The CNPP and CNCSOs emphasized that their position should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against the former NNPCL chief, but rather as a call for transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic institutions.

They maintained that every citizen, regardless of status or former office held, should be willing to answer legitimate questions regarding the management of public resources.

The groups also urged the Senate Public Accounts Committee to remain professional and non-partisan while carrying out its constitutional mandate. They called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to thoroughly investigate all audit observations and financial queries relating to public funds.

According to the statement, Nigerians deserve transparency, accountability, and clear answers regarding all legitimate concerns surrounding the management of public resources.

The statement was signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of the CNCSOs.