The Arewa Network of Social Reformers (ANSR) has come to the defence of former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, criticizing the Senate Public Accounts Committee’s attempt to issue an arrest warrant against him over alleged discrepancies in the company’s accounts.
In a statement on Monday, signed by M. S. Lawal (PhD), National Director of Strategy and Acting Executive Director, the group described the committee’s actions as a breach of due process and warned against the use of government institutions to pursue personal or political interests.
The controversy stems from the Senate’s ongoing investigation into alleged discrepancies amounting to about ₦210 trillion in NNPCL’s audited accounts between 2017 and 2023, when Kyari headed the state-owned oil company.
Following reports that Kyari failed to honour several invitations to appear before the committee, the panel ordered that a warrant be issued to compel his appearance.
However, the Senate later overturned the decision, stating that only the Senate President has the authority to approve such a warrant.
ANSR said the Senate’s decision to nullify the warrant vindicated concerns that proper parliamentary procedures had not been followed.
The group noted that Kyari was reportedly receiving medical treatment abroad and had communicated his situation through appropriate channels, arguing that there was no evidence he intended to evade the investigation.
According to ANSR, the committee’s actions created the impression of a predetermined verdict rather than a fair and objective inquiry.
The organisation also dismissed allegations of financial misconduct against Kyari, describing them as an attempt to tarnish his reputation and distract from the administration’s economic reform efforts.
It further alleged that the renewed scrutiny of the former NNPCL chief coincided with growing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections and suggested that vested interests were behind efforts to damage his public image.
ANSR maintained that all expenditures under review were approved through established government processes and remained subject to statutory oversight and audit mechanisms.
Calling for an objective assessment of the allegations, the group urged investigators and political actors to respect due process and avoid turning accountability mechanisms into tools for political battles.
