Senator Adams Oshiomhole has leveled serious accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claiming that his daughter secured a high-ranking role at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) without adhering to proper procedures. The former Edo State governor made these remarks during an appearance on the Mic On Podcast, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.
Oshiomhole asserted that Akpabio had personal stakes in the NNPC, alleging that former NNPC Group CEO Mele Kyari helped facilitate the appointment of Akpabio’s daughter. He stated that the appointment bypassed the standard recruitment process, based on information available to him. Oshiomhole further criticized the NNPC for what he described as widespread nepotism, claiming that both past and current officials have placed relatives in various positions within the company.
He suggested that if the NNPC’s payroll were examined, it would reveal that the top levels of the organization have been turned into a family affair. However, Oshiomhole clarified that he does not object to relatives of public officials working at the NNPC as long as they are qualified and recruited through legitimate means. He emphasized that the issue arises only when individuals are given jobs they do not merit or for which they are not qualified, and when proper procedures are ignored.
Oshiomhole also addressed criticism regarding the Senate’s handling of an arrest warrant issued against Kyari, defending the legislative body’s actions as constitutional. The podcast interview touched on broader issues of governance and accountability in Nigeria’s oil sector.