The leadership of the House of Representatives on Monday disclosed its intention to dissolve its joint Committees on Downstream and Midstream probing the activities of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi announced this via a statement made available to Parliamentary Correspondents.
This is coming barely 48 hours after a group of lawmakers under the aegis of ‘1 Agenda’ expressed stiff opposition against recent calls for the suspension of NNPCL Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari and NMDPRA Chief Executive Officer, Farouk Ahmed to pave way for unfettered forensic investigation of the Organisations.
Hon. Rotimi in the statement said: “The leadership of the House of Representatives has resolved to dissolve the current Ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee.
“Initially tasked with investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security issues, this Committee will be succeeded by a newly constituted Ad-hoc Committee with the same mandate.
“To ensure the efficacy and independence of this investigation, the new Committee will consist of honourable members selected for their expertise, competence, and integrity.
“The House remains committed to addressing these vital issues and ensuring thorough oversight. Further details on the new committee’s operations will be provided in due course.”
Earlier, two members of Joint Committees on Petroleum Midstream and Downstream, namely: Hon. Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya and Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan disowned the PRO-NNPCL Advertorial sponsored by the 1 Agenda’ splinter group.
The lawmakers via separate statement made available to Parliamentary Correspondents, condemned in strong terms the inclusion of their names among the 120 lawmakers, in an advertorial placed on Sunday in some national dailies calling for caution in the ongoing probe by the joint Committee on Petroleum Resources Midstream and Downstream on the challenges affecting the Midstream and Downstream sectors.
Condemning the unauthorized inclusion of his Name in the “1 AGENDA” Statement, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education and Services, Hon. Shagaya argued that the parliament has a constitutional duty to investigate complaints and concerns before taking any stance.
Hon. Shagaya who represents Ilorin West and Asa Federal Constituency of Kwara State in a statement made available to Parliamentary Correspondents said: “I wish to address the recent publication attributed to a coalition named ‘1 AGENDA,’ which falsely includes my name as one of the 120 lawmakers behind the statement titled ‘NNPCL: A Call for Caution’.
“I categorically state that I am neither a member of this so-called coalition nor aware of its existence until the publication of this statement.
“I did not sign any statement, nor was I consulted or informed about it. The inclusion of my name, listed as number 62 among the supposed supporters, is both unauthorized and misleading.
“To avoid any misconceptions, I firmly believe in the right to a fair hearing, particularly concerning issues related to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
“The House of Representatives has a constitutional duty to investigate complaints and concerns before taking any stance, and I fully support this process.
“Silence on matters such as this can often be misinterpreted as concurrence, which is why I am compelled to speak out. I urge the general public to disregard any association of my name with the ‘1 AGENDA’ statement.
“Furthermore, I call upon the group behind this publication, ‘1 AGENDA,’ to immediately withdraw the statement and tender a public apology to me for this unauthorized inclusion.
“Such actions undermine the integrity of the legislative process and mislead the public. I remain committed to serving my Constituents and upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and due process in all legislative activities.”
On his part, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, who represents Badagry Federal Constituency Lagos State, in his statement said: “it has come to my attention that a recent publication by 1 AGENDA includes my name, Hon. Whingan Sesi, as No. 47 in the publication titled “NNPCL: A Call for Caution’.
“I wish to categorically state that | was neither present at any such meeting nor pest of any resolution process regarding this matter.
“Furthermore, I did not sign the said document or any document related to this organization, and nor do I have any knowledge of the existence of 1 AGENDA or its objectives.
“I find it necessary to clarify my stance and to correct this misrepresentation. The publication in question does not reflect my views or position on the matter, and I firmly disassociate myself from it.
“I support the rightful process of investigation and fair hearing in addressing any issues related to NNPCL and NMDPRA 88 instituted by the House of Representatives and any existing legal framework.
“Additionally, as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), I maintain that any discussions or calls for action regarding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) should be based on thorough investigations and factual evidence.
“I hereby, urge the group/organization/association 1 AGENDA to immediately withdraw the publication and issue a public apology for the unauthorized use of my name.
“This action not only misrepresent my stance but also undermines the integrity of the legislative process.
“Furthermore, I reaffirm my commitment to transparency and accountability in all legislative matters. I support fair hearing and due process in all matters including but not limited to issues relating to NNPCL and NMDPRA.
“As representative of the good people of Badagry and as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), I will continue to adhere to the dictate of our constitution and House rules.
“Therefore, I urge the Public to follow constitutional processes and allow the appropriate committees to conduct their investigation, if any, without unwarranted external pressure.”
