Kyari’s Absence Stalls House Committee Probe on Energy Security Contract

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The investigative hearing of the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee probing alleged irregularities and corruption in Nigeria’s energy security and the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing, was stalled yesterday, following the absence Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Mele Kyari.

The absence of both Kyari and the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDRA), Farouk Ahmed forced the ad hoc committee to postpone the investigative hearing sine die.

The Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Hassan Nalaraba, lamented that the committee which was given four weeks to submit its report was already behind schedule despite the extension of the recess by the House.

He explained that the House resolved to set up the ad hoc committee to investigate circumstances surrounding the acquisition of OVH Energy by NNPCL and report within four weeks.

Nalaraba stated: “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.”

However, while responding to the Ad-hoc Committee’s inquiry, Yemi Adetunji, the Executive Vice President Downstream at NNPC Limited, who spoke on behalf of the NNPCL GMD/CEO, 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.”