In a collective stance, fifty members of the House of Representatives have thrown their weight behind Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), and Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Disapproving of premature and counterproductive calls for their dismissal, the lawmakers condemned the demands for the removal of Kyari and Farouk amid an ongoing investigation into the oil sector crisis.
Leading the charge, Hon Billy Famous Osawaru of Edo State criticized the dismissal calls, emphasizing the necessity of a fair and comprehensive investigation process before making any decisions.
Previously, Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon Philip Agbese, had urged President Bola Tinubu to relieve Kyari of his duties, accusing him of impeding economic growth in light of the sector’s ongoing turmoil.
Additionally, Agbese called for the removal of Farouk Ahmed and other officials appointed by the previous administration.
Responding to these propositions during a press briefing, Osawaru deemed it inappropriate to insist on the ousting of government officials before the investigative process concludes.
He stressed the importance of upholding the right to a fair hearing for all involved parties and urged the investigative committee to uphold impartiality.
“Nigerians are aware of the critical concerns surrounding the fuel price hike and its associated challenges,” stated Osawaru.
Osawaru pointed out that the House of Representatives had tasked the joint committee on Midstream and Downstream Petroleum to scrutinize matters within the oil and gas sector.
“The investigative process is ongoing, and no final decisions have been made,” he added.
“However, media reports pushing for the removal of the NNPCL and NMDPRA executives during this investigation have come to our attention,” Osawaru observed.
Encouraging patience and adherence to the law while awaiting the investigation results, Osawaru assured that the ultimate aim is a better Nigeria.
The lawmakers also addressed the current nationwide protests, expressing their concern for the welfare of Nigerians amidst the unrest.
They lauded the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives under the leadership of Right Honorable Tajudeen Abbas, for initiating a youth dialogue to ease tensions.
Commending the conduct of the protesters, the lawmakers appealed for calm and called for an end to the ongoing protests.
“Today, August 1, 2024, over 50 House of Representatives members gathered to evaluate the ongoing protests and their impact on Nigerians,” remarked Osawaru.
“We urge calmness and implore all Nigerians to cease the protests,” he pleaded.