From: FRED ITUA, Abuja
The Senate has hinted that it may sanction the probe of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), over claims that it mismanaged about N5.1 trillion it got as subsidy funds between 2006 and 2015.
In a point of order raised by Senator Dino Melaye, on Tuesday, the lawmaker drew the attention of the Senate to the refusal of the Federal Government to probe the nation’s oil company, which he said got 51 out of 100 per cent share of companies sanctioned to import petroleum products into the country.
Melaye said all the oil marketers currently facing trial over alleged subsidy fraud, only constitute 49 per cent of imported refined products.
He said: “Surprisingly you (Saraki) are one of those who raised the issue of subsidy in the 7th Senate. The Federal Government is prosecuting marketers and these marketers only constitute 49 per cent of imported refined products. The NNPC is responsible for the importation of 51 per cent.
“While we are prosecuting the independent marketers whose proceed from subsidy is about N3.83 trillion, NNPC collected a total of N5.1 trillion on subsidy and this has never been investigated.
“This has never been looked at and we are busy chasing independent marketers. The time to look at the books of NNPC as regards petroleum subsidy is now.
“We have taken the lead in the fight against corruption in this chamber and I want to say we must do everything within our powers to investigate and bring whoever is found wanting to book.”
President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, gave nod to Melaye’s plea, who had sought the permission of the chamber to sponsor a motion today. “Thank you Senator Melaye for that radical performance,” Saraki said.
He added: “Senator Melaye, we expect this motion tomorrow (today) and Its a very serious issue. It goes to the core of the fight against corruption and also the issue of NNPC which is a great source of revenue for all of us. We will wait for that motion today.”