Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate through its Committee on Oil and Gas Host Communities has summoned the Managing Director of Total Energies, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, to appear before it next week.
The Committee said that Bouyer has refused its previous invitations to interface with it on matters bordering on the implementation challenges of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The panel also expected Bouyer to brief it on the pressing need to address the grievances of host communities as well as the mode of operation of the oil company.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Benson Agadaga, made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday.
The Senate panel expressed disappointment in Bouyer for refusing to honour earlier invitation, stating that it was against all democratic conventions and spirit of public service.
The panel Chairman frowned on the attitude of the Total Energies Boss, and noted that it had become customary for some oil companies to delegate representatives rather than attending meetings with legislative panels in person.
Agadaga said that the issues at stake needed the physical appearance of the chief executives who are expected to speak for themselves and not through proxies.
The panel chairman also emphasised that oil and gas companies must ensure transparency, equity, well-being of their host communities.
He advised the Bouyer to reconsider his position and honour the invitation.
He stressed that failure to do so will worsen the lack of confidence from the public, which posed a significant threat to the collective advancement of the nation.
Agadaga said: “The ramifications of this refusal extend far beyond the confines of bureaucratic indifference.
“It signals a dangerous precedent where those in the country’s vital oil and gas sector shirk their responsibilities with impunity. Such actions breed distrust and disillusionment among citizens who rightfully expect the companies to uphold the highest standards of governance and accountability.
“The Senate Committee calls upon the MD and indeed others in similar position to reconsider their stance and honour the invitation to appear before the committee. Failure to do so will only deepen public mistrust and fuel the flames of discontent that threaten to engulf our nation’s progress. Nigeria deserves better,” the statement added.
