From Fred Itua, Abuja 

The Senate has given nod for a motion seeking the probe of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) over alleged mismanagement of about N5.1 trillion subsidy fund to be formally raised on the floor of the Senate.

In a point of order, Senator Dino Melaye drew the attention of the Senate to the alleged refusal of the Federal Government to probe the NNPC, which he said got 51 out of 100 per cent share of companies okayed to import petroleum products into the country.

Said Melaye: “Surprisingly you (Senate President Bukola Saraki) are one of those who raised the issue of subsidy in the 7th Senate. The Federal Government is prosecuting marketers and these marketers only constitute 49 per cent of imported refined products. The NNPC is responsible for the importation of 51 per cent. 

“While we are prosecuting the independent marketers, whose proceeds from subsidy is about N3.83 trillion, NNPC collected a total of N5.1 trillion on subsidy and this has never been investigated.

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“This has never been looked into and we are busy chasing independent marketers. The time to look into the books of NNPC, as regards petroleum subsidy, is now. 

“We have taken the lead in the fight against corruption in this chamber and I want to say we must do everything within our powers to investigate and bring whoever is found wanting to book.”

Saraki gave nod to Melaye’s plea, as he sought the permission of the chamber to sponsor a motion.

“Thank you Senator Melaye for that radical performance. We expect this motion tomorrow (today) and it is a very serious issue. It goes to the core of the fight against corruption and also the issue of the NNPC, which is a great source of revenue for all of us. We will wait for that motion.”