Officials of  the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have commended the Senate’s arrest order on the former Group Chief Executive Officer of National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, urging President Bola Tinubu to facilitate international cooperation for his appearance before investigative authorities in the country.

The CNPP and CNCSOs said this followed his repeated failure to honour invitations issued by the Senate committee in connection with ongoing investigations into audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation.

According to a joint statement made available to Journalists in Kaduna, by the deputy national publicity secretary of CNPP, , James Ezema and the national secretary of CNCSOs, Alhaji Ali Abacha,  “the decision of the Senate Committee represents a significant affirmation of the constitutional oversight powers of the National Assembly and sends a strong message that no public official, past or present, is above accountability under the law.”

The groups said, “for several years, numerous allegations relating to financial management, transparency, procurement processes, crude oil accounting, refinery rehabilitation expenditures, fuel subsidy administration, and other matters associated with the operations of the NNPCL under the leadership of Mallam Mele Kyari have dominated public discourse”,  pointing out that “while many of these allegations remain unproven and subject to investigation, they have nevertheless generated widespread public concern and sustained demands for thorough, independent, and transparent scrutiny.”

“It is therefore disturbing that despite the seriousness of the audit queries reportedly identified by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and despite repeated invitations by the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Mallam Kyari has allegedly failed to appear before lawmakers to provide explanations and clarifications on issues of significant public interest”, Ezewa said.

He noted: “available records indicate that the Senate Committee commenced detailed scrutiny of the NNPCL accounts following audit observations covering multiple years. The committee subsequently issued invitations and summonses to former officials, including Mallam Kyari, to assist in resolving outstanding questions arising from the audit process. Rather than providing the necessary cooperation expected of a former chief executive of a strategic national institution, the former NNPCL boss reportedly failed to appear before the committee on multiple occasions, culminating in the recent order directing security agencies to produce him before the lawmakers.”

The CNPP and CNCSOs stressed further, ” accountability is the cornerstone of democratic governance. Public officers entrusted with the management of national resources owe Nigerians a duty to account for their stewardship whenever called upon by constitutionally empowered institutions.”

“We are particularly concerned by the widespread perception among Nigerians that anti-corruption agencies, especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have not demonstrated sufficient urgency in investigating several allegations and concerns surrounding the management of the nation’s petroleum resources during the relevant period. Whether such perceptions are justified or not, they underscore the need for transparent, professional, and impartial investigations capable of restoring public confidence in our institutions”, the groups added..

The statement stressed, “consequently, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to ensure that all relevant security and law enforcement agencies provide the necessary support required to enforce lawful directives issued in connection with the ongoing investigations.”

“Where credible information indicates that Mallam Mele Kyari is outside the country and unavailable to honour the summons of constitutionally empowered authorities, the Federal Government should explore all lawful international cooperation mechanisms available under Nigerian and international law, including engagement through INTERPOL and relevant bilateral arrangements, for the sole purpose of securing his appearance before competent investigative and oversight authorities”, it added.

Ezema and Abacha continued: “our position is not a declaration of guilt. Rather, it is a demand for accountability, transparency, and respect for democratic institutions. Every citizen, regardless of status, influence, or former office held, must be prepared to answer legitimate questions regarding the management of public resources.”

“The CNPP and CNCSOs therefore urge the Senate Public Accounts Committee to remain steadfast, professional, and non-partisan in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities. We equally call on anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant institutions, to ensure that all allegations, audit observations, and financial queries concerning the management of public resources are diligently investigated and appropriately resolved in accordance with the law. The Nigerian people deserve full transparency. They deserve answers to all legitimate audit queries. They deserve accountability from all who have managed public resources on their behalf”, the groups also added.