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A former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, has reacted to the arrest warrant issued against him by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, expressing shock over the decision and insisting that he had earlier informed the committee that he was outside Nigeria receiving medical treatment.

The reaction came hours after the committee ordered security agencies to arrest and produce Kyari before lawmakers over his failure to appear at an investigative hearing probing allegations of N210 trillion in unaccounted funds in NNPCL’s accounts between 2017 and 2023.

In a letter dated June 10, 2026, obtained by the media Kyari said he had previously written to the committee on May 8 and that the correspondence was received on May 11, informing lawmakers that he was abroad on medical grounds and unable to attend the hearing physically.

“I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant, especially as I had earlier communicated with your committee via a letter dated and received on 11th May, 2026,” Kyari wrote.

“In that letter, I informed the Committee that I was out of the country on medical grounds. I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria.”

He added that he had offered to respond to any questions from the committee in writing to avoid delaying its work.

“I wish to reiterate that I remain very willing and ready to honour the invitation of the Committee and to appear before it once I return to the country and at the convenience of the committee,” the former NNPCL boss stated.

In the earlier letter dated May 8, 2026, Kyari said he was unaware of any formal invitation before learning of the committee’s directive that he appear before lawmakers over issues relating to NNPCL’s accounts during his tenure.

“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation. Notwithstanding this, I would have gladly honoured the invitation and appeared before the Committee to provide any clarification required,” he wrote.

“Unfortunately, I am presently outside the country undergoing critical medical care and, due to these circumstances, I am unable to attend physically at this time.”

Kyari also requested that any questions from the committee be forwarded through his legal representatives to enable him provide clarifications while receiving treatment abroad.

He further defended his stewardship at NNPCL, stating that proper records of all transactions undertaken during his tenure were maintained and remained available within the company for verification.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had earlier on Wednesday ordered Kyari’s arrest after lawmakers rejected appeals by some senators to grant him additional time to appear before the panel.

The committee is investigating 19 audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation concerning NNPCL’s financial records between 2017 and 2023, including allegations that N210 trillion could not be properly accounted for.

During the hearing, senators including Saliu Mustapha and Tony Nwoye urged caution, citing reports that Kyari was receiving medical treatment in Germany.

However, other lawmakers opposed any further delay.

Senator Abdul Ningi argued that claims of illness should be supported by documentary evidence, while Senator Victor Umeh moved the motion for Kyari’s arrest.

Seconding the motion, Deputy Chairman of the committee, Peter Nwaebonyi, said the panel had already convened nine times on the matter and could not afford further delays.

Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also backed the move, warning that the Senate risked undermining its authority if its summons were ignored.

Following a voice vote, committee chairman Ibrahim Dankwambo directed that Kyari be arrested and brought before the committee.

Meanwhile, former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer, Umar Isa, who appeared before the panel, rejected allegations that N210 trillion was missing from the company’s accounts.

“To be clear, if money had gone missing at NNPC during our tenure, we would not have had the courage to publish audited accounts,” Isa said.

He maintained that NNPCL’s total revenue during the period under review was approximately N54.5 trillion, arguing that it was mathematically impossible for N210 trillion to be missing.

The committee subsequently directed Isa and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti, to reappear before it within two weeks as the investigation continues.

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…security, electoral reforms, devolution of powers among key proposals

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has released the final version of the Constitution Alteration Bills ahead of a decisive vote scheduled for Thursday, signalling a major step in the ongoing effort to reshape key aspects of Nigeria’s constitutional framework.

The proposed amendments, which are expected to come before lawmakers during plenary, are the product of months of consultations, public hearings and stakeholder engagements conducted across the country by the House Committee on Constitution Review.

According to the House, the bills emerged after extensive consideration of proposals submitted by lawmakers, government agencies, professional bodies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and ordinary Nigerians.

The review process included zonal and national public hearings, expert sessions, consultative meetings and town hall engagements held across the six geopolitical zones to gather public input on critical constitutional issues.

The bills cover a wide range of national concerns, including electoral reforms, judicial reforms, security and policing, local government administration, devolution of powers, fiscal reforms, human rights, citizenship, traditional institutions, legislative matters and the creation of states and local governments.

At the centre of public attention is the proposal seeking constitutional backing for the establishment of state police, a reform that has generated intense debate and attracted widespread support and opposition across the federation.

The proposed legislation seeks to create an additional layer of policing within Nigeria’s security structure while providing constitutional safeguards, operational guidelines and oversight mechanisms to define the relationship between federal and state policing authorities.

The House said the proposal reflects growing national calls for more localised and responsive approaches to tackling insecurity.

Speaking on the release of the final draft, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the development as a significant milestone in the constitutional review process.

According to him: “The release of the final print of these Constitution Alteration Bills reflects the extensive consultations, careful scrutiny, and bipartisan collaboration that have characterised this reform process. These proposals embody the aspirations, concerns, and recommendations expressed by Nigerians from all walks of life.

“Of particular significance is the proposal on State Police, which responds to longstanding calls for a more effective and decentralised policing framework capable of addressing emerging security challenges across the federation. As the House prepares to vote, we remain guided by our constitutional responsibility to strengthen democratic governance, deepen federalism, promote inclusion, enhance security, and build institutions capable of meeting the demands of a modern and prosperous nation.”

The House is expected to vote on the bills during plenary on Thursday, provided the constitutionally required quorum is achieved. If the required number of lawmakers is not present, consideration of the amendments will be postponed to the next legislative sitting in line with constitutional provisions and House rules.
The House leadership reiterated its commitment to an open and transparent constitutional review process, expressing confidence that the proposed reforms would strengthen democratic institutions, improve governance, promote national unity and respond to the evolving aspirations of Nigerians.

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…says no fund paid for Enugu headquarters rehabilitation, pledges full disclosure of records by June 23

By Gloria Ikibah

The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and full cooperation with the National Assembly, following its appearance before the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission said it used the oversight session to provide detailed briefings on its finances, operational activities, procurement procedures, institutional growth, strategic partnerships and ongoing programmes across the South-East.

According to the Commission, the Senate Committee requested additional documentation relating to certain aspects of its operations and expenditure. It said it welcomed the request and sought a short period to compile and submit the required records.

“Following discussions, proceedings were adjourned to a later date pending submission of the requested documents, which the Commission will provide on or before 23 June 2026,” the statement said.

The Commission also addressed issues that have generated public discussion in recent days, particularly expenditure linked to its Abuja Liaison Office and references to what has been described as “implied expenditure”.

Abuja Liaison Office Explained
SEDC said the expenditure associated with its Abuja Liaison Office covered the establishment and operation of a fully furnished office at the Congress Building in Maitama, Abuja.

The Commission explained that the facility serves as its operational base for engagements with the National Assembly, federal ministries and agencies, development finance institutions and strategic partners.

“The expenditure cited reflects the cumulative cost of establishing and running the office since its inauguration on 11 February 2025 to date, covering rent, operational costs, utilities, and basic fit-out works across that entire period”, the statement read.

The Commission added that its board and management remain committed to relocating to its designated headquarters in Enugu as soon as possible.

According to the statement, rather than incur the cost of acquiring a new property, the Commission secured the transfer of an existing building from the Enugu State Government and entered into an agreement with the state to accelerate rehabilitation works and facilitate its relocation.

Clarification on ‘Implied Expenditure’
Responding to reports about so-called “implied expenditure”, SEDC said the references relate to a contract awarded for the rehabilitation of its future headquarters in Enugu.

The building, it noted, was transferred by the Enugu State Government but requires extensive work before it can serve as the Commission’s permanent headquarters.

It further clarified that the expenditure being discussed represents approved financial commitments rather than actual payments.

“The contract was awarded in accordance with the Public Procurement Act 2007, following approval by the Bureau of Public Procurement and the concurrence of the supervising ministry.

“These commitments represent budgeted obligations that have been lawfully committed but not yet disbursed, consistent with established public sector financial management practice. To be precise: this money has not left the Commission’s accounts,” the Commission stated.

Capital Funds Yet to Be Released
SEDC disclosed that it has not received any funding from its capital budget allocation.

Despite this, it said efforts have continued to advance strategic development initiatives across the region while laying the institutional groundwork required for future project implementation.

The Commission noted that spending so far has focused on two key areas: building its operational structure and advancing project development activities that would ordinarily be financed through capital releases.

“It is worth recalling that the Commission received its first disbursement of funds after more than ten months of being in existence,” the statement further said.

The Commission explained that institutional expenditure has included payment of staff salaries and arrears, training for seconded personnel, establishment of operational offices in Abuja and Enugu, and procurement of essential information and communications technology infrastructure.

Project Development and Regional Initiatives
On programme implementation, SEDC said it has financed feasibility studies and due diligence exercises for priority regional projects, including a proposed gas infrastructure partnership with significant economic and industrial implications for the South-East.

The Commission also highlighted its participation in the Intra-African Trade Fair in Algeria, which it said has opened discussions with Afreximbank on establishing a Project Preparation Fund aimed at reviving dormant industries across the region.

Other initiatives cited include the South East Vision 2050 Stakeholder Forum and the South East Venture Capital Programme.

According to the statement, the venture capital initiative has already provided investment support to 25 start-ups drawn from across the South-East.

Records to Be Submitted
SEDC assured the Senate Committee that comprehensive records would be submitted before the next hearing.

Reiterating its commitment to openness and accountability, the Commission said it remains focused on its mandate of driving economic transformation, infrastructure development, investment mobilisation and regional prosperity across the South-East.

“The Commission will submit comprehensive documentation, including procurement records, contract details, payment schedules, and supporting financial records, to the Senate Committee on or before 23 June 2026.

“The Commission remains focused on that mandate and is confident that a full review of the facts and supporting documentation will provide a complete picture of its activities and stewardship of public resources,” the statement added.