The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigation into the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), yesterday suffered a setback at the commencement of the hearing, as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (MMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, failed to appear before the committee.
They were billed to answer questions concerning irregularities and alleged corruption involving their respective institutions.
The NNPCL sent its Executive Vice President (Downstream), Yemi Adetunji, while the NMDPRA was represented by Soji Soloye.
Regrettably, the hearing was stalled as the representative of the Chief Executives, who said their principals could appear in person because of other pressing engagements, also told the Chairman of the Committee, Hon Abubakar Nalaraba, that they could not provide the needed information.
The Committee Chairman said it was unfortunate because the committee was far behind schedule in the discharge of its assignment.
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According to him, “This is an ad hoc committee on the need to investigate the irregularities and alleged corruption in the Nigeria energy security provider, the NNPC Limited, and the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing.
“The House resolved to set up this Ad hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of OVH Energy by NNPCL and report within four weeks.
“The time allocated to conclude and submit this report within four weeks. Unfortunately, we are far behind schedule despite the extension of the House recess. We still feel the need to continue or to progress with this investigation.”
The hearing dissolved into a closed-door session for the panel to decide an appropriate time for the Chief Executives to appear.
