A coalition of 23 civil society organizations (CSOs) has called for a thorough investigation into the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), along with the suspension of its chairman, Ikenga Ugochinyere.
In a petition dated August 5, 2024, addressed to the Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, the CSOs demanded an immediate reshuffling of the Joint Committee Panel on Petroleum Resources.
This move aims to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation into the alleged misconduct of certain lawmakers.
The CSOs accused the committee members of alleged corruption, extortion, blackmail, and sponsoring faceless groups and media attacks.
They claimed that the lawmakers allegedly demanded a payment of ten million dollars under the threat of calling for the dismissal of Mr. Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Mr. Mele Kyari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
Describing the alleged behaviour as unethical, the CSOs urged the Inspector General of Police to investigate these allegations and hold the responsible lawmakers accountable.
“We implore the Inspector General of Police to launch an investigation into this allegation and expose the lawmakers involved so they can be brought to justice,” the petition states. “Such actions undermine the integrity of the House of Representatives and tarnish the image of our legislative body. It is imperative that these allegations are thoroughly investigated.”
The CSOs highlighted that the targeted media attacks against Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Mr. Mele Kyari, Honourable Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, Honourable Aliyu Wakili Boya, Honourable Ajilo Umar, and Honourable Billy Osawaru have caused significant damage to their reputations and created unnecessary tension within the House of Representatives.
“We call for an immediate reshuffling of this panel to ensure that the investigation into the petroleum sector is conducted fairly and without bias,” the petition continued. “If these demands are not met, we will pursue legal action to ensure justice is served. The integrity of our legislative process and the reputation of the House of Representatives must be upheld at all costs.”
