By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The decision of the federal government to finally audit the petrol subsidy claims of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has been applauded by the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP).
The central government recently disclosed its intention to engage an external auditor to verify claims by the state-owned oil company that it was paying to ensure consumers purchase premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise known as PMS, at a cheaper rate.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr James Ezema, CNPP described this action of the government as a vindication of its long-standing call for an independent forensic audit of NNPC Limited.
The group, in the statement made available to Business Post, noted that the reduction of NNPC’s subsidy claims from N6 trillion to N2.7 trillion after an initial audit by KPMG highlights the need for a comprehensive probe.
“Since the Goodluck Jonathan administration, the CNPP has consistently demanded an independent forensic audit of NNPC Limited, now a government-owned company,” a part of the statement read.
The group of political parties in the country said the light must be beamed on the NNPC under its chief executive, Mr Mele Kyari, who it said must step aside.
“We commend the federal government for attempting to probe NNPC Limited but insist that management suspension is crucial for an effective audit. Anything less would allow perpetrators to continue their nefarious activities,” it declared.
The CNPP has described the NNPC as a hub of corruption, with its leadership embroiled in deceit and mismanagement.
“We demand a comprehensive, independent, and transparent probe, including management suspension, to ensure justice and reveal the truth. This is not about individuals but about saving the Nigerian economy from collapse,” it noted.
The CNPP’s call for a comprehensive probe and management suspension has sparked hopes that the truth behind NNPC Limited’s subsidy claims will finally be revealed, and those responsible held accountable.