The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has once again landed in the middle of controversy after its Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, ignored the Senate over the ₦200 trillion probe.
Despite being given a 10-day ultimatum by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to appear before lawmakers and explain discrepancies in NNPCL’s audited reports, Ojulari refused to show up.
NNPCL GCEO Ignores Senate ₦200 Trillion Probe Again
On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Public Accounts held its scheduled hearing on the matter involving NNPCL’s unaccounted ₦200 trillion.
Instead of appearing in person as expected, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, sent a team of representatives.
However, lawmakers rejected the move and refused to listen to the delegation.
They insisted that only Ojulari himself can provide answers to the 11 serious financial queries highlighted in the company’s financial statements.
The committee chairman, Aliyu Wadada, expressed anger over the continued absence of Ojulari.
He said Ojulari’s refusal to face the Senate shows “total disrespect” for the National Assembly and called it a “clear violation” of legislative oversight.
Senate Warns NNPCL Over Disregard For Summons
Following Ojulari’s refusal to attend, Senator Wadada made it clear that the Senate would not allow such defiance to continue.
He stated that the Senate would issue another date for Ojulari to appear in person.
Wadada also warned that the Senate might invoke its constitutional powers if Ojulari fails to comply.
Lawmakers emphasized that sanctions could be considered, including serious penalties.
They stressed that Ojulari must appear before the committee because the ₦200 trillion probe concerns public funds and national accountability.
The Senate Public Accounts Committee is currently investigating what it called “worrying inconsistencies” in NNPCL’s financial records.
Senators have questioned the transparency of the company’s transactions and expressed concern over the way public funds were handled.
Bottom Line
NNPCL GCEO Bayo Ojulari continues to ignore the Senate ₦200 trillion probe, despite repeated warnings and ultimatums.
His refusal to appear has deepened the controversy surrounding the investigation, raising more questions about NNPCL’s accountability.The Senate has now vowed to enforce its powers to compel Ojulari to explain the ₦200 trillion discrepancies.
