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A genuine probe of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) would send former Presidents, lawmakers and Ministers to jail, a former President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Louis Ogbeifun, has said. Ogbeifun said this in a chat with Daily Trust, while reacting to the recent outburst of […]

A genuine probe of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) would send former Presidents, lawmakers and Ministers to jail, a former President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Louis Ogbeifun, has said.
Ogbeifun said this in a chat with Daily Trust, while reacting to the recent outburst of Senator Adams Oshiomole, who alleged that the NNPC is populated by a bunch of criminals. According to him, some interests in the National Assembly are aware of this fact, which explains why previous investigations into the oil company have always not been full-proof.
He added: “Very influential members of the NASS know that a probe of the NNPCL would see some former Presidents, many politically exposed elites dealing in oil and gas businesses, former NASS members, and former Ministers ending up behind bars.
“That is why listing the NNPCL in the stock exchange is now. All government’s hands in the affairs of the NNPCL should be removed before PBAT leaves office so that the company can start a truly commercial life.”
Recalling their collaboration in the NLC/TUC between 2003 and 2005, Ogbeifun described Oshiomole’s remark as “reckless, uncharitable and disappointing”.
He maintained that NNPCL represents Nigeria in international oil and gas joint ventures, and branding it publicly would damage the country’s investment image.
He added: “The NASS has several persons that have EFCC and ICPC corruption cases hanging over their heads. But the honorable members are innocent until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction. Would it be fair to call the entire NASS a bunch of criminals and thieves? No!
“What Oshiomhole didn’t realize is that he has only de-marketed the entire country with his statement. What he has done is akin to a father who daily calls his children prostitutes and armed robbers at the village square, and yet laments that no suitor is approaching his doorstep to marry his daughters,” he said.Ogbeifun said he supports any probe aimed at recovering illicit money stolen from the Commonwealth of Nigeria.
“I am not holding a brief for Kyari. Take a look at this. Except there are documents not revealed, otherwise, the total revenue generated by the NNPC Limited during the audited period in question from 2017–2023 is about N54.5 trillion and yet N210 trillion is missing. How?
“That is why we all should support the Senate in getting to the bottom of the saga to answer how possible.”
He recalled telling former President Olusegun Obasanjo that if funds released for refinery Turnaround Maintenance, TAM, yielded no results, the contractors and officials involved should be probed.
He said a National Assembly probe was launched, but died on the first day.
“On the first day, I don’t know what the contractor told the NASS in plenary or on camera. That was the end of the probe,” he stated.
He spoke on the current fracas between NNPCL boss Mele Kyari and the National Assembly and urged lawmakers to pursue recovery of funds owed the Federation.
He expressed doubt about the outcome, warning: “I can say without any fear of contradiction the probe will end the way of the NDDC off the mic forensic probe.”
Ogbeifun suggested that the only way to stop political interference and corruption in NNPCL is full commercialization through stock market listing and removal of government control before President Bola Tinubu vacates office.
Also reacting, an energy expert, Ebenezer Sobo, believes that there was nothing wrong in probing the alleged missing N210 trillion from the coffers of the NNPC when Mele Kyari held sway as its helmsman.
He told Daily Trust that instead of creating commotion over the missing fund issue, the lawmakers should have looked at it passionately during the session with a view to averting suspicion or mistrust between them and Senator Oshiomole/ Mele Kyari.
According to him, the alleged missing fund and moves to recover it have been going on back and forth, adding that the Senate should exercise their oversight power to make a definitive stand on it.
He added: “The back and forth moves to trace the alleged N210 trillion from the coffers of the NNPC is not good enough for the image of the lawmakers and intolerable for Nigerians who desire excellent performance from the NNPC after its metamorphosis from government-owned enterprise to a profit-making venture.
“There should be convergence of opinion amongst the lawmakers on how best to go about the exercise without witch hunting any party on creating suspicion of what their intent is,” he added.
Another expert, Rasheed Adeleke, emphasized the need for the Senate Committee to exercise measured restraint in handling the issue of the alleged missing N210 trillion fund.
He told Daily Trust that the parties involved in tracing the alleged missing funds need not engage in media trials or make inflammatory statements capable of frustrating their assignment.
‘‘There should be requisite objectivity and sincerity on the part of those involved in the search of the alleged missing funds.
“Since Kyari claimed he told the Senate he won’t be available for the sittings on account of ill-health, it is fair enough to allow him exercise this window and get a definite day he would come around for talks on the missing fund.”