Following in-house squabble amongst members, the newly constituted ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other energy security issues has been dissolved.
This development was announced in a statement by the House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Monday, disclosing that the decision was taken at the committee’s inauguration penultimate Monday.
He said: “The Leadership of the House of Representatives has resolved to dissolve the current ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee.
“Initially tasked with investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security issues, this committee will be succeeded by a newly constituted ad-hoc committee with the same mandate.”
Akin added: “To ensure the efficacy and independence of this investigation, the new committee will consist of honourable members selected for their expertise, competence, and integrity.
“The House remains committed to addressing these vital issues and ensuring thorough oversight. Further details on the new committee’s operations will be provided in due course.
Members of the House of Representatives appears to be on a war path over the proposed probe of the operations in the midstream and downstream sectors of the petroleum industry.
The ad-hoc committee led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Ikenga Ugochinyere, had been calling for the sack of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mele Kyari, while another group of 50 lawmakers has called for his retention.
The lawmakers led by Billy Osawaru ( Edo State) said the call for the sacking of Kyari when an investigation is currently being carried out was an action that is against parliamentary culture.
By: Babajide Okeowo
