The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on review of pump price of petrol, on Monday, summoned the Managing Directors (MDs) of major oil marketers, to appear before the committee, to explain the diversification of Foreign Exchange (FOREX) and subversion of import permit.
Those invited include, Tempogate, Tiger Shipping Agency, SGS Inspection Agency, Dozzy Oil, Sahara Energy, Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Blue Sea Maritime Shipping Company and others.
Similarly, the committee, headed by Hon. Nnana Igbokwe, requested that, the MD of Rain Oil, Gabriel Ogbechie and Chris Igwe of Mainland Oil should reappear before it, on a date that shall be communicated to them.
The Lawmakers further demanded that the oil marketers should come with evidences of payments made, statement of facts from clearing agents, receipts of payment to Petroleum Equalization Trustfund (PEF), documents of all indebtedness, Strategy Partnership, records of supply and the amount of FOREX collected since 2016 to date.
The committee also frowned at the misappropriation of the FOREX collected by majority of oil marketers to ensure steady supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The chairman said the manner which the oil marketers are diverting the foreign exchange for other use, if not checked, could affect availability of products in the country.
“We are getting shocking revelations, so far nothing shows that the FOREX collected was utilised. Moreover, only 15% of FOREX collected is used for PMS, the essence of the FOREX is to avoid fuel shortage that will in turn affect the common man”, Igbokwe stated.
Meanwhile, some of the marketers have reacted to the invitation and allegation of non remittance of fund.
The MD of Mainland Oil who spoke to Journalists, however, said, “no hard feelings concerning the decision of the committee requesting me to reappear before it.
“I commend them for doing a noble job because, it is only through process as this one that we can all be accountable to Nigerians”.
On the allegation of non remittance of fund, the MD told the committee that, he only had outstanding debt of N130m with the Marine Transport, which he promised to offset within the day, adding that, he was rather being owed by PEF, PPMC and NNPC.
The chairman while adjourning, ruled that the police attached to the committee to check misconduct of any sort should obtain statements from Sahara Shipping Company and the SGS Inspection Agency.
He explained that, reasons for the directive was to put things into right perspectives so that persons involved will understand the importance of giving false statement while on oath.
He further explained that, section 10 of the Legislative Act on privileges says, “when a person gives false statement while on oath, it is punishable.”
He stressed that, “if anybody is found culpable, then the person shall be committed to the appropriate authorities.”
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