NNPCL’s acquisition of OVH: Reps member, Miriam Onuoha, slams Atiku, says oil and gasoline sector shouldn’t be politicised

A member of the Home of Representatives, representing Isiala Mbano / Onuimo / Okigwe Federal Constituency, Hon Miriam Onuoha, mentioned the oil and gasoline sector of the econony was too vital to be politcised.

Onuoha acknowledged that whereas constructive criticism was essential to strengthen the sector within the nationwide curiosity, deploying propaganda and blackmail to attain low-cost political factors was unhelpful, and worse, unpatriotic.

She was reacting to a press release by a former Vice President Atiku Abubakar asking the federal authorities to clarify why Oando acquired accelerated approval in AGIP/ENI Buy, whereby she was quoted to have moved a movement directing the suspension of OVH belongings.

In a press launch, entitled: “THE ATIKU ABUBAKAR ALLEGATION ABOUT NNPC’S ACQUISITION OF OVH”, Hon. Onuoha mentioned: “My consideration has been drawn to a press launch signed by one Phrank Shaibu, on behalf of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, titled: “Atiku to FG: Clarify Why Oando Received Accelerated Approval in AGIP/ENI Buy,” issued on August 25, 2024, whereby I used to be quoted to have moved a movement directing the suspension of OVH belongings.

“The press launch reads: “In July 2023, the Home of Representatives, following the adoption of a movement moved by Miriam Onuoha, directed NNPC Ltd to droop the acquisition of OVH belongings pending an investigation by its committee.”

“For the report, on July 28, 2023, I sponsored a movement on the “Have to Examine the Irregularities and Alleged Corruption within the Nigerian Vitality Safety Supplier, NNPC Retail Restricted and the Acquisition of OVH Vitality Advertising and marketing,” in response to petition by workers members of NNPC Restricted, who had been uncertain of their employment standing following the acquisition of OVH by NNPC Restricted, and subsequent relocation of NNPC Retail Restricted to Lagos.

“Following this movement, an advert hoc Committee was arrange by the Home management, and to which I used to be named a member, to research the allegations.”

She acknowledged additional: “I wish to state that the Committee invited the Group CEO of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, the Head of NNPC Retail Restricted, and their administration workers members, who appeared earlier than the Committee the place they gave causes for the acquisition of OVH, in addition to the procedures adopted within the acquisition. Additionally they rationalized the relocation to Lagos, which in keeping with them, was to allow easy accessibility to the market.

“From their submissions and the payments, it was apparent that members and administration of NNPC Retail had been continuously commuting to Abuja to have interaction in commerce, which was not solely costly however was additionally leading to lack of man-hour, amongst different challenges.

“Some workers members of NNPC Restricted, who wrote and submitted the petition had been additionally engaged by the Committee, and their fears had been allayed on account of the detailed rationalization by the NNPC administration, and the Committee’s capacity to make sure a clear investigation.

“In the middle of the investigation, the Committee undertook a tour of the NNPC Retail services in Lagos. The train confirmed that the services had been in good situation.”

Onuoha continued: “I wish to take this chance to commend the administration and management of NNPC Retail Restricted, and certainly, the Group CEO of NNPC Restricted, for his pragmatic management method to clear operations within the power sector, and administration of the NNPC Restricted.

“In the middle of the investigation, the Committee discovered that President Bola Tinubu had taken some commendable steps to reposition the oil and gasoline sector.

“The Committee additionally found that the NNPC Restricted, beneath Mele Kyari, had made important strides in enhancing transparency and accountability inside the firm. As an illustration, regardless of the criticisms it had obtained in current instances, the nationwide oil firm trumped the distractions by releasing its annual monetary assertion for 2023, whereby it posted quite a lot of optimistic outcomes. This demonstrates transparency.

“Mele Kyari’s management has been characterised by a dedication to openness, which has fostered and bolstered belief and confidence in and amongst stakeholders. This, understandably, aligns with the implementation of his management’s Transparency, Accountability, and Efficiency Excellence (TAPE) Agenda, which goals to make sure that NNPC’s operations are open, clear, and accountable. This administration philosophy, from our findings, has concerned varied measures, reminiscent of common reporting, public disclosure of monetary data, and collaboration with exterior auditors.:

She added: “Additionally extra importantly, the NNPC has elevated its communication efforts to have interaction with the general public and deal with rising considerations. This contains common press conferences, social media updates, and neighborhood outreach programmes.

“Indubitably, Kyari’s management has contributed to constructing a extra clear and accountable NNPC. His efforts have helped to revive public belief within the NNPC and to place the corporate as a extra accountable company citizen. Even so, there’s nonetheless room for enchancment.

“Whereas, as a legislator, I’ll proceed to carry the Government accountable, I can’t enable myself for use as an instrument of witch-hunt, blackmail, and intimidation. I can’t be a keen software for the opposition to destroy the great work of Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, who’s the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

“The oil and gasoline sector may be very vital to the Nigerian economic system. It shouldn’t be politicised. Whereas constructive criticism is critical to strengthen the sector within the curiosity of our nation, deploying propaganda and blackmail to attain low-cost political factors is unhelpful, and worse, unpatriotic.”