ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Coalition of Niger Delta Ethnic Groups has expressed deep dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay by the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes in investigating Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, the former Executive Vice President (Upstream) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, the Coalition faulted the Committee’s handling of an existing petition submitted against the former NNPCL executive, raising concerns over transparency and accountability in legislative oversight regarding critical assets in the oil and gas sector.
A Growing Discontent
According to the Coalition, the delay in addressing the petition sends the wrong signal regarding the National Assembly’s commitment to curbing financial malfeasance and ensuring public accountability within state-owned enterprises. The group emphasized that oversight bodies must act decisively when petitions involving high-profile public servants are formally brought before them.
“We are totally dissatisfied with the manner in which the Committee has handled the petition submitted to it concerning Engr. Tombomieye,” the statement noted, highlighting the urgency required to maintain public trust in anti-corruption institutions.
The Ultimatum and Protest Warning
Citing the need for immediate legislative action, the Coalition has slammed a seven-day ultimatum on the National Assembly to formally invite Engr. Tombomieye to appear before the Committee to address the issues raised in the petition.
The group issued a stern warning that failure by the Senate leadership and the Committee to comply with the timeline would force them to take direct action. They stated that they are fully prepared to mobilize members for a massive public protest targeting both Engr. Tombomieye and the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
The statement was officially signed by Chief Efosa, Chairman of the Coalition of Niger Delta Ethnic Groups.
As the seven-day countdown begins, all eyes remain fixed on the Senate Committee to see whether it will expedite action on the petition to avert a public showdown in the nation’s capital.
