The Nigerian Senate has issued a warrant of arrest against former Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari.
At the centre of the controversy are audit observations forwarded to the Senate Public Accounts Committee from the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, which lawmakers say contain unresolved financial entries and discrepancies valued at over N210 trillion.
The committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, resolved to invoke its constitutional powers after repeated invitations issued to Kyari were allegedly ignored.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Victor Umeh, who argued that the committee could no longer tolerate continued delays in an investigation involving what lawmakers described as one of the largest financial accountability exercises ever undertaken by the National Assembly.
“This matter has lingered for too long. Nigerians deserve answers. The committee cannot continue to wait indefinitely while critical questions concerning trillions of naira remain unanswered,” Umeh said.
The motion received overwhelming support from committee members but not before triggering one of the most dramatic moments of the hearing.
Backing the proposal, former Edo State Governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, argued that Parliament risked diminishing its own authority if it failed to enforce compliance with its summons.
“Some people believe they are bigger than Nigeria. The law must be effective when it catches the lion, not only when it catches the rabbit,” Oshiomhole declared.
In remarks that immediately stirred controversy within the hearing room, Oshiomhole urged the committee to act without delay.