Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In a groundbreaking development, the Senate has issued a stern warning to dismiss and incarcerate Mele Kyari, the group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, along with other high-ranking executives involved in the alleged N12 trillion fraud. The Senate’s focus is particularly on executive officers linked to the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) projects of the nation’s refineries.
As of Wednesday, the Senate revealed that an astounding N12 trillion had been expended on TAM projects from 2010 to the present, accompanied by detailed records indicating expenditures of over $592 million, €4.8 million, and £3.4 million during the same period. Astonishingly, despite these substantial investments, none of the refineries are reported to be operational.
Senator Isah Jibrin, the Chairman of the Senate ad-hoc committee investigating TAM projects, expressed frustration over the absence of Kyari and other executives at an interactive session. He emphasized the Senate’s determination to seek solutions to the reported financial irregularities, leakage issues, and non-functional refineries. Jibrin declared, “We will ask for refund and dismissal of all the chief executives involved in the Turn Around Maintenance.”
TruthLive News reports that the Senate’s discontent intensified as representatives from key agencies failed to provide requested documents during the investigation. Senator Jibrin stressed the urgency of their presence, stating, “We want the chief executives to be present,” highlighting the suspicions arising from the delayed release of crucial documents.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi insisted that representatives should relay the Senate’s message to their chief executives, urging them to appear in person. Senator Sumaila Kawu emphasized the seriousness of their legislative duties, warning that the Senate could explore various avenues to ensure accountability.
As the investigation unfolds, the Senate remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding constitutional principles, demanding transparency, and warning of potential legal consequences, including the possibility of refund and dismissal of implicated officials.
The masses are crying under the burden of the rising prices which is caused by our lack of functional refineries. The senate has promised that this matter will not be swept under the rug