Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to explain the expedited approval granted to Oando Plc, a company associated with his nephew, for the purchase of AGIP and ENI’s onshore oil assets.
Mr Abubakar had accused the federal government of engaging in favoritism, alleging that the rapid green light given to the Oando deal is a sign of preferential treatment.
In a recent statement, the former vice president highlighted the disparity in the handling of oil transactions by pointing out that other significant deals, including the Shell/Renaissance and Mobil/Seplat agreements, have been stalled despite long-standing negotiations.
He contends that the swift approval of the Oando acquisition is evidence of a biased process, warning that the federal government is compromising Nigeria’s national oil resources to benefit select interests.
Mr Abubakar also took aim at the House of Representatives, criticising their inaction regarding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which he claims has been disregarding the directives of the legislature.
He asserts that the NNPCL’s actions are aligned with the agenda set forth by President Tinubu, further underlining his concerns over transparency and accountability.
The former Vice President is calling for full disclosure on the Oando transaction and urges President Tinubu to ensure that the country’s oil sector serves the interests of all Nigerians, rather than those of a few connected individuals.