The Joint Committees on Upstream and Gas in the National Assembly have unanimously decided to summon the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.
They are required to appear before the committees on Monday, the 18th of December 2023, under the threat of legal consequences if they fail to comply.
The ruling was issued by the Chairmen of both committees, Senator Etang William and Hon. Alhassan Doguwa, during a budget defense session held in Abuja on Thursday.
Expressing their dissatisfaction with the ministers’ absence, they emphasized the constitutional significance of the budget defense process, stressing that it should be treated with the utmost respect.
Senator Etang Williams, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Upstream Petroleum, and Hon. Alhassan Doguwa, Chairman of the House Committee on Upstream Petroleum, underscored the importance of upholding the sanctity of such constitutional activities.
Consequently, in response to the ministers’ non-appearance, the lawmakers halted the proceedings and passed a motion to adjourn the meeting until Monday.