Pushed back by Presidency, Senate dumps NNPC probe

Almost two months after it set up an ad-hoc committee to carry out “holistic investigation” into allegations of corruption against Maikanti Baru, the Group Managing Director (GMD), of the state oil firm, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), indications have emerged that the Red Chamber may have tactically dumped the probe.

The Senate, had in early October, charged the nine-member committee to investigate a letter written by the Minister of Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, to President Muhammadu Buhari accusing Mr. Baru of illegal actions and insurbodination.

The Senate committee is chaired by Aliyu Wamako, from Sokoto State, while its members included Tayo Alasoadura, Akpan Bassey, Samuel Anyanwu, and Ahmed Ogembe.

Others in the committee are Chukwuka Utazi, Rose Oko, Baba Garba and Kabir Marafa.

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Presenting the motion, Samuel Anyanwu, had emphasised the need for the Senate to investigate Mr. Baru’s involvement in alleged corrupt activities of Duke Oil, a component of the NNPC Trading Limited.

Mr. Anyanwu had noted that the company was incorporated in 1989 in Panama and therefore,does not pay tax in Nigeria.

He had further said that the company enjoys massive support of NNPC in trading of crude oil in the international market in spite of grappling with the basics of what it was registered to do.

Ripples Nigeria, had reported in October, that the leadership of the Senate and the committee, were under pressure to jettison the probe. The Presidency, the leadership of NNPC and powerful Northern forces, had mounted pressure on the Wammako-led committee to stop the probe.

Wammako and some committee members, also had series of meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari and officials of NNPC, both at the Presidential Villa and in his office in the New Senate Wing.

It would be recalled that the NNPC in the wake of the moves by the Senate to probe it, had invited the senators to a ‘special dinner’ at the Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja, which was seen by many as an attempt to lobby the lawmakers.

The NNPC denied that it was trying to influence the lawmakers and derail the planned probe of its activities and its GMD, Maikanti Baru, by the Senate.

Findings by Ripples Nigeria this week, has revealed that the committee may soon submit a report to the Senate, where it is expected to clear Mr. Baru of any wrongdoing.

It is also expected to argue that President Buhari has already intervened and that the issues raised had been amicably resolved.

Saraki, who is already aware of the plans, Ripples Nigeria gathered, will put up a spirited fight to defend the action of the committee.

For now, it is uncertain when the report will be submitted.
By Ehisuan Odia…

 

 

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