Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over the swift approval granted to Oando Plc for its purchase of AGIP/ENI’s onshore assets. Atiku questioned why Oando, owned by a relative of President Bola Tinubu, received expedited approval while other deals, such as the Shell/Renaissance and Mobil/Seplat transactions, face continued delays.
Atiku emphasized the need for the federal government to provide explanations regarding Oando’s accelerated approval. In a statement released by his special assistant, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku also criticized the recent financial reports from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), stating that the current subsidy regime is fraudulent.
He accused President Tinubu of being dishonest about the removal of fuel subsidies during his international trips and questioned the administration’s commitment to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Atiku noted, “The NNPCL admits that N7.8 trillion is owed by the Nigerian government, and IMF estimates subsidy payments this year will reach about N11.8 trillion.”
Atiku also criticized the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for approving the AGIP/ENI deal within eight months, while the Seplat-Mobil acquisition remains stalled after three years. He argued that democracy in Nigeria has become a government run by Tinubu for the benefit of his family.
He further lambasted the House of Representatives for not holding the NNPC accountable, stating that NNPC ignored requests for documentation and proceeded with the controversial transfer of its retail assets to OVH Energy, effectively “mortgaging the future of Nigerians.”
Atiku also voiced concerns over rising human rights abuses under Tinubu’s administration, accusing security forces of unlawful arrests and intimidation of journalists. He urged the president to address these violations, warning that continued abuses could lead to international sanctions that might hinder Nigeria’s ability to acquire weapons for its fight against insecurity.
Atiku concluded by advising Tinubu to take urgent action to prevent further deterioration of human rights in Nigeria.
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