Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the daughter of Senate President Godswill Akpabio was appointed to a lucrative position at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) without following established recruitment procedures.
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Oshiomhole defended his recent comments regarding the Senate’s handling of matters involving the NNPC and the bench warrant issued against former NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
The former Edo State governor claimed that Akpabio had a personal interest in the affairs of the NNPC, alleging that Kyari facilitated the appointment of the Senate President’s daughter to a prominent role within the company.
According to Oshiomhole, information available to him indicated that the appointment did not go through the standard recruitment process.
He further alleged that nepotism had become widespread within the national oil company, claiming that both current and former officials had secured employment opportunities for relatives, including children, cousins, in-laws, and other family members.
Oshiomhole argued that a review of the NNPC payroll would reveal a pattern of family connections occupying top positions within the organization, describing the situation as the transformation of the company’s upper ranks into a “family business.”
Despite the allegations, the senator maintained that there was nothing inherently wrong with relatives of public officials working for the NNPC, provided they were qualified and recruited through transparent and merit-based procedures.
He stressed that concerns only arise when individuals are employed without the necessary qualifications or when established recruitment guidelines are bypassed.
Referring to Akpabio’s daughter, Oshiomhole said he had been informed that her appointment was not made through the regular interview and selection process, though he described the matter as a personal issue for the Senate President.
Oshiomhole also addressed criticism surrounding the Senate’s reported disowning of the arrest warrant issued against Mele Kyari, insisting that the National Assembly acted within its constitutional powers in taking the decision.
