There appears to be growing tension among members of the House of Representatives regarding the proposed investigation into the activities of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd.
A faction of House members took out advertisements in three national newspapers, calling on the Joint Committee of the House of Representatives on Downstream and Mainstream to look into the actions of the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mr. Mele Kyari.
However, some members, believed to be part of the 118 legislators, stated to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja that they were not consulted before the ads were published.
A group of 118 lawmakers led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, Rep. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, reportedly endorsed the publication.
In the advertisement, the group called for a fair investigation into Kyari, arguing that any demand for his resignation at this stage was premature and unnecessary.
The lawmakers also urged President Bola Tinubu to ignore calls for Kyari’s dismissal or resignation and focus on supporting efforts to revitalize the nation’s oil sector.
Among the members distancing themselves from the publication were the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport, Rep. Sesoo Ikpaher, Rep. Tochukwu Okere, and Rep. Toyin Fayinka.
Deputy House Spokesperson Rep. Philip Agbese, who reportedly endorsed the publication, also denied giving his approval.
Agbese, who had publicly called for Kyari’s removal before the investigation began, mentioned that the lawmakers sought his consent for the ad but he asked for time to respond as he was engaged in prayer.
To his surprise, he later found out he was included among the lawmakers who authorized the publication.
Another legislator, speaking anonymously, revealed to NAN that he had not seen the advertisement draft before it went public.
Recall that Agbese and a group of lawmakers under the title Energy Reforms and Economic Prosperity had earlier called for Kyari’s ousting, citing his alleged obstruction of the oil sector’s growth and the nation’s economic progress.
NAN.