The Nigeria Peace and Development Union, NPDU, has called for restraint and adherence to due process in the ongoing investigation of Mallam Mele Kyari, immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.
The group described the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ threat of arrest as premature and potentially prejudicial.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Chairman, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sade, NPDU said it supports transparency, accountability, and legislative oversight.
However, it expressed concern over what it called attempts to create a perception of guilt before investigations are concluded.
The union said democratic institutions must pursue public accountability within the framework of fairness, justice, and the rule of law.
“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.
NPDU noted that Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL recorded some of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. These include the publication of audited financial statements, the introduction of transparency measures, and the transition of the corporation into a commercially driven limited liability company under the Petroleum Industry Act.
The group said these achievements do not place the former NNPCL chief above accountability, but they underscore the need for a balanced and objective assessment of his record.
NPDU further argued that allegations of financial discrepancies within NNPCL require careful professional examination, given the complexity of oil sector accounting, revenue management structures, and operational expenditures. It stressed that public discourse on the matter should be guided by facts and evidence rather than speculation.
The union also referenced reports that Kyari had informed the Senate committee of his inability to appear due to medical treatment abroad, 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 affects not only the individuals involved, but also public confidence in national institutions and investor perception of Nigeria’s strategic petroleum sector.
The organisation said allegations involving large financial figures must be subjected to thorough forensic scrutiny before conclusions are reached, noting that premature judgments could undermine confidence in ongoing reforms within the industry.
The union therefore urged the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to carry out its constitutional oversight responsibilities with fairness, impartiality, and respect for due process. It also encouraged Kyari to make himself available to provide all necessary clarifications on 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.
NPDU expressed confidence that a transparent, professional, and law-abiding process would ultimately serve the interests of both accountability and national development.
