Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an explanation regarding alleged favoritism towards Oando Plc, owned by President Tinubu’s nephew, in the sale of AGIP and ENI’s onshore assets.
Atiku claims Oando received accelerated approval while other deals face delays.
Atiku added: “In July 2023, the House of Representatives, following the adoption of a motion moved by Miriam Onuoha directed NNPC Ltd to suspend the acquisition of OVH assets pending an investigation by its committee.
“The House ad-hoc committee requested the NNPC Ltd to furnish it with information about registration documents/history from CAC for OVH, Nueoil, and NNPC Retail Limited (NRL), Board Resolution of NNPC Ltd on purchase of OVH, Audited Financial Statement and Management Accounts from 2015 to date of OVH, Nueoil, NRL and NNPC Ltd and the payroll from 2015 to date for NRL and OVH; Board Resolution of NRL/CHQ for movement of head office to Lagos and evidence of Tax Payments for NRL and OVH from 2015 to date.
“The NNPC ignored all these and went ahead to transfer its ownership and properties in its retail arm to OVH, thereby mortgaging the future of Nigerians.
“Despite the rot in the oil sector, the head of the NNPC, the head of the NUPRC, and the head of the NMDPRA continue to keep their jobs. This is clear evidence that they are fulfilling the mandate given to them by Tinubu.”
Atiku also criticised the Tinubu administration’s subsidy regime, citing NNPCL’s recent financial statement revealing a 7.8 trillion naira debt owed by the government.
He questioned the persistence of fuel scarcity despite claims of subsidy removal.
The former VP expressed concern over human rights abuses under Tinubu’s leadership, particularly targeting journalists.
He said Tinubu, “who rode to power over exaggerated claims of being a freedom fighter,” had turned against the people by allowing the Department of State Services (DSS), police and even the military to abuse the rights of citizens without any consequences.
He cited cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions, warning that such actions could lead to international sanctions affecting Nigeria’s ability to combat insecurity.
The former Vice President further said: “Amnesty International still has a pending petition before the Foreign Committee of the US Congress against the sale of weapons to Nigeria due to human rights concerns in line with the Leahy Law. Tinubu would do well to curb these cases of rights abuses by law enforcement authorities who all report to him as commander-in-chief.”
