Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has dismissed claims that he is avoiding an ongoing investigation by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts.
Kyari’s reaction follows reports that the Senate committee issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear before lawmakers investigating concerns arising from NNPCL’s audited financial statements. The probe is focused on alleged discrepancies identified in the company’s accounts covering several years.
In a statement made available to the committee, the former NNPCL boss explained that his absence was due to a medical trip outside Nigeria. He maintained that he had formally informed the committee of his health condition and temporary stay abroad before the scheduled hearing.
According to Kyari, suggestions that he deliberately ignored the Senate’s invitation are inaccurate and misleading. He stressed that he remains committed to cooperating with the investigation and has no intention of obstructing the committee’s work.
The former oil industry executive further stated that he has always respected the authority of the National Assembly and would make himself available to provide clarifications once he returns to the country. He added that his inability to attend the hearing was based solely on medical reasons and not an attempt to evade scrutiny.
Kyari also noted that he had communicated his circumstances to the relevant authorities and expected the committee to take the information into account. He insisted that he remains ready to respond to any questions relating to his tenure at the helm of the state-owned oil company.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts is currently reviewing issues linked to NNPCL’s financial records as part of its oversight responsibilities. The development has attracted significant public attention due to the strategic role of the company in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
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Despite the controversy surrounding his absence, Kyari has reiterated his willingness to cooperate fully with lawmakers and participate in the process once his medical treatment abroad is concluded.
