Miriam Onuoha, a member of the House of Representatives representing Isiala Mbano/Onuimo/Okigwe Federal Constituency of Imo State, has lambasted the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar over his criticism of Oando acquisition of AGIP/ENI and OVH assets.
She asserted that the oil and gas sector is too critical to be politicised.
Recall that Atiku, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, asked the federal government to explain why Oando Plc, owned by the President’s nephew, got accelerated approval to buy the onshore assets of AGIP and ENI while other transactions such as the Shell/Renaissance deal and the Mobil/Seplat continue to suffer delays.
However, speaking via a statement on Monday, the Imo lawmaker argued that the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), under Mele Kyari has made significant strides that deserve commendations.
She lampooned Atiku for trying to take advantage of an investigation she chaired to unravel the acquisitions saying she will not allow herself to be used as an instrument of witch-hunt, blackmail and intimidation.
In clear terms, Onuoha explained that she sponsored a motion on the ‘Need to Investigate the Irregularities and Alleged Corruption in the Nigerian Energy Security Provider, NNPC Retail Limited and the Acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing’, which she said was in response to a petition by some staff members of NNPC Limited, who, according to her, were unsure of their employment status following the acquisition of OVH by NNPC Limited, and subsequent relocation of NNPC Retail Limited to Lagos.
According to her, “I would like to state that the Committee invited the Group CEO of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, the Head of NNPC Retail Limited, and their management staff members, who appeared before the Committee where they gave reasons for the acquisition of OVH, as well as the procedures followed in the acquisition.
“They also rationalised the relocation to Lagos, which according to them, was to enable easy access to the market.
“From their submissions and the bills, it was obvious that members and management of NNPC Retail were constantly commuting to Abuja to engage in trade, which was not only expensive but was also resulting in loss of man-hour, among other challenges.”
She pointed out that, “Some staff members of NNPC Limited, who wrote and submitted the petition were also engaged by the Committee, and their fears were allayed on account of the detailed explanation by the NNPC management, and the Committee’s ability to ensure a transparent investigation.”
She assured that, “While, as a legislator, I will continue to hold the Executive accountable, I will not allow myself to be used as an instrument of witch-hunt, blackmail, and intimidation.
“I will not be a willing tool for the opposition to destroy the good work of Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, who is the Minister of Petroleum Resources.”
