Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on President Bola Tinubu to refrain from assuming the position of Minister of Petroleum Resources, asserting that it contravenes Section 147 of the Constitution.
Falana cautioned Tinubu against emulating the practices of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking at the public presentation of the book “Dis Life No Balance: An Anthropology of Nigerian Diaspora Voices,” co-authored by Professors Farooq Kperogi and Moses Ochonu, and Dr Osmund Agbo in Abuja on Thursday, Falana emphasized the necessity for adherence to constitutional provisions.
Falana argued that Tinubu’s appointment to the role lacked the required screening by the National Assembly, rendering the President’s assumption of the Minister of Petroleum Resources position legally questionable.
He further pointed out the potential challenges such a scenario presents in holding the NNPC Limited accountable.
Referring to the counsel given by former Central Bank governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Falana stated, “President Bola Tinubu is not the Minister of Petroleum Resources, as his nomination was never sent to the Senate for screening as mandatorily required by Section 147 of the Constitution.”
Citing the lack of investigation into the substantial N11 trillion spent over eight years under President Muhammadu Buhari for oil or fuel imports, Falana raised concerns about accountability in the petroleum sector.
He urged President Tinubu not to assume the role of Minister of Petroleum Resources, drawing attention to the constitutional screening process.
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