Senate’s threat of arrest against Mele Kyari premature, says NPDU

The Nigeria Peace and Development Union, NPDU, has called for restraint and adherence to due process in the ongoing investigation involving the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari, describing the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ threat of arrest as premature and potentially prejudicial.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, the group and signed by its National Chairman, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sade, said while it fully supports transparency, accountability, and legislative oversight, it is concerned about what it described as attempts to create a perception of guilt before the completion of investigations.

According to the union, democratic institutions must ensure that public accountability is pursued within the framework of fairness, justice, and the rule of law.

“The Nigeria Peace and Development Union believes strongly that no public official should be above scrutiny. However, scrutiny must never be mistaken for guilt, nor should allegations be treated as established facts before all relevant parties have been given adequate opportunity to present their positions,” the statement read.

The group noted that Kyari’s tenure at the helm of the NNPCL witnessed some of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, including the publication of audited financial statements, the implementation of transparency measures, and the transition of the corporation into a commercially driven limited liability company under the Petroleum Industry Act.

It stated that while these achievements do not place the former NNPCL chief above accountability, they underscore the need for a balanced and objective assessment of his record.

NPDU further argued that allegations concerning financial discrepancies within the NNPCL require careful professional examination, particularly given the complexity of oil sector accounting, revenue management structures, and operational expenditures.

The union stressed that public discourse surrounding the matter should be guided by facts and evidence rather than speculation.

The group also referenced reports indicating that Kyari had communicated his inability to appear before the Senate committee due to medical treatment outside the country and had expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation upon his return.

“It is important that all explanations presented by concerned parties are objectively evaluated in accordance with the principles of natural justice. A willingness to cooperate with lawful investigations should be encouraged and not interpreted as an attempt to evade accountability,” the statement added.

NPDU warned that the handling of such sensitive matters carries implications not only for the individuals involved but also for public confidence in national institutions and investor perception of Nigeria’s strategic petroleum sector.

According to the organisation, allegations involving large financial figures should be subjected to thorough forensic scrutiny before conclusions are reached, noting that premature judgments could undermine confidence in ongoing reform efforts within the industry.

The union therefore urged the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to continue its constitutional oversight responsibilities with fairness, impartiality, and respect for due process, while also encouraging Kyari to make himself available to provide all necessary clarifications regarding issues under investigation.

“The pursuit of accountability must never come at the expense of justice. As a nation governed by democratic principles, Nigeria must uphold the fundamental right of every citizen to a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise,” the statement concluded.

The group expressed confidence that a transparent, professional, and law-abiding process would ultimately serve the interests of both accountability and national development.