The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the alleged loss of over $2.4 billion in revenue from the illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil export in 2015 including crude oil exports from 2014 till date has again invited the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed and Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami to appear before it today.
Speaking at the hearing the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Gbillah emphasized the need for the ministers to appear before it to explain certain aspects of the allegations.
Recall that both ministers had separately appeared before the panel a few weeks ago and Malami on his part claimed the matter as raised by the whistle-blowers involved is baseless.
Their invitation, this time, as read at the panel by the chairman, Hon. Mark Gbillah may not be unconnected to the allegations so far gotten from some agencies involved in the matter after its interrogation.
Hon. Gbillah lamented the inability of some Chief Executive Officers of Total Exploration and Production Co TE&P Co Ltd to honour the panel invitation as well as submit requested documents on the pre-shipment inspection of crude oil.
Gbillah further explained that early appearance of companies invited by the panel could help his committee to finish up on time as well as write down it recommendations to the Committee of the Whole.
The Panel’s Chairman also used the opportunity to remind critical stakeholders of the role of parliament adding that it has powers to invite any person or authority and can order an investigation into any matter just as it has powers to make laws.
While citing the provisions of section 88 and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999, the Chairman also emphasised the importance of the Legislature in a democracy.
