Reps Split on Kyari's Sack as NNPC GMD

Mele Kyari

House Divided: Kyari's NNPC Exit Sparks Controversy

Reps at odds over Kyari's sack as NNPC Chief...

House of Representatives divided over probe into NNPC GMD Kyari's activities, as some lawmakers claim they were mistakenly listed as supporters of advertisement calling for investigation, despite previously advocating for his removal.

The House of Representatives is split on the proposed probe into the operations of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), with members holding differing views on the matter.

On August 3, a group of House of Representatives members took out advertisements in three prominent newspapers, calling for the Joint Committee on Downstream and Mainstream to investigate the actions of Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL.

However, in a surprising twist, some of the 118 legislators allegedly involved in the move have denied authorizing the advertisement, casting doubt on the authenticity of the endorsement.

The advertisement was reportedly spearheaded by Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, who led the group in calling for Kyari's actions to be scrutinized.

An advertisement by some lawmakers called for a thorough investigation into NNPC GMD Kyari, arguing that demands for his resignation are premature and unwarranted.

The ad urged President Bola Tinubu to ignore calls for Kyari's dismissal and instead support efforts to reform the oil sector.

Several lawmakers, including Sesoo Ikpaher, Tochukwu Okere, and Toyin Fayinka, have disassociated themselves from the advertisement.

Deputy House Spokesperson Philip Agbese, who was linked to the ad, denied giving his consent, distancing himself from the publication.

In a surprising turn of events, Philip Agbese, who had previously called for Kyari's removal, claimed he was mistakenly listed as a supporter of the advertisement, stating he had requested time to review it due to his prayer commitments and was caught off guard by his inclusion.

Another lawmaker, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed they had not seen or approved the advertisement before it was published, adding to the confusion and raising questions about the authenticity of the endorsement.

“I would have advised against it.

“Those behind it called me and said they were working on something; I didn't know it was an advertisement they were working on,” the lawmaker said.

Philip Agbese and fellow lawmakers from the Energy Reforms and Economic Prosperity group had previously called for Kyari's removal, citing his leadership as a barrier to oil sector growth and national economic progress.

The group argued that Kyari's leadership hindered the oil industry's development, ultimately obstructing Nigeria's economic advancement, and sought his removal to drive reforms and prosperity.