PDP Demands Independent Investigation Into Importation Of Off-spec Petrol

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the importation of adulterated fuel into the country.

Naija News reports that the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, had disclosed that four companies were responsible for the importation of adulterated fuel into the country.

Speaking on Wednesday during a media briefing at the NNPC Headquarters in Abuja, Kyari said MRS, Emadeb/Hyde/AY Maikifi/Brittania-U Consortium, Oando and Duke Oil brought the substandard fuel into Nigeria.

Also, the federal government and the House of Representatives said they would investigate the supply of the bad petrol imported into the country and punish culprits found culpable.

Reacting to the development, the PDP  demanded that an independent commission of inquiry be set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the importation of the off-spec petrol.

The PDP, In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, said the federal government cannot be trusted to properly investigate the matter and punish those found guilty.

The opposition party also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to cover up the circumstances into the importation of petrol with methanol quantity above Nigeria’s specification.

The statement reads: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerts Nigerians of the attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide official cover for APC leaders reportedly involved in the criminal importation of toxic fuel into our country.

“Against this backdrop, the PDP rejects the announced internal investigation of this terrible crime by the government as the APC administration cannot be trusted given its manifest predilection to shield the APC leaders involved.

“Nigerians note the various investigations instituted by the APC government in the past which ended without any meaningful outcome; notable among which was the manipulated EndSARS Report.

“The PDP, therefore, demands an Independent Commission of Enquiry to investigate all issues connected to the ‘APC Toxic Fuel ImportGate’. Those involved must be exposed and held accountable.

“Where was the toxic fuel imported from? Which company is the pre-inspection agent? How much was paid for the very cheap contaminated fuel and through which banks were payment effected? All documents relating to the transaction must be made public.”