By Kehinde Moshood
Dear Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bashir Bayo,
I am writing to you in light of the ongoing investigation into our nation’s refineries, urging immediate action to ensure transparency and accountability within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). It is imperative that the Chief Financial Officer, Adedapo Segun, be suspended pending the outcome of this investigation.
The scandal surrounding the refineries occurred during his tenure as GGM Treasury and also involved his role as EVP Downstream. This raises serious concerns about his potential involvement or oversight regarding financial operations at that time. Suspending him while the investigation is ongoing will not only safeguard its integrity but also demonstrate your administration’s commitment to justice and fairness.
Should he be cleared of any wrongdoing after a thorough and independent review, he may be recalled. However, allowing him to remain in office while the investigation is underway undermines the credibility of the process and may hinder efforts to achieve genuine accountability.
Suspending those responsible for financial control is a necessary step toward achieving meaningful reform. Without holding key financial officers accountable, we risk perpetuating a system where those entrusted with financial oversight escape scrutiny, making true reform unattainable.
One critical question remains: Why has Adedapo Segun been spared? Is it because he was appointed during the tenure of Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu? If the new leadership is truly committed to transparency, this question must be addressed without hesitation.
Suspending Dapo Segun would send a strong message that your administration will not tolerate any form of impropriety. The new Group Chief Executive Officer has made commitments to transparency, yet allowing an individual allegedly linked to the scandal to remain in office contradicts that mission.
This is an opportunity to reinforce public trust in the NNPCL. Taking the necessary steps now will ensure that the Nigerian people see real commitment to fairness and accountability under your leadership.
I trust you will take the bold and necessary action required at this time.
