Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer of the Nigeria
National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, was unexpectedly shown the door on
Wednesday by the house of representatives committee on finance during a public
hearing on the tax reform bills.
At the public hearing, James Faleke, the committee chairman,
invited NNPC to deliver its presentation.
Kyari stepped forward, ascended the podium, and began to
address the gathering.
But his address was cut short when Faleke interrupted,
asking if he had submitted his proposal to the committee.
Kyari responded, clarifying that amendments had been made to
his memorandum, assuring the committee that the updated document would be
submitted later.
He attempted to continue his presentation, but his
explanation was rejected by Faleke who said the NNPC boss can make his
presentation on Thursday or Friday when his proposal is ready — leaving no room
for negotiation.
With his presentation abruptly halted, Kyari stepped down
from the podium and exited the venue.
Before the commencement of the public hearing, Faleke said
proposals should be submitted to the committee before representatives of any
organisation proceeds to address the audience.
The four bills—the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Tax Administration
Bill, the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, and the Nigeria Revenue
Service Bill — have scaled the second reading at the senate and house of
representatives.
The senate held a public hearing on the bills on Monday and
Tuesday.
The green chamber began its public hearing on Wednesday and
will run until Friday.