When Will FG Name Prominent Nigerians Linked To Oil Theft, Insurgency? Peter Obi Asks
The flagbearer for Labour Party in the coming presidential election, Mr Peter Obi is curious as to when the present government will name and shame the eminent Nigerians who are involved in oil theft and sponsorship of insurgency.
Mr Obi in a series of posts via his official Facebook account, said he is struck and intrigued by the news report linking “highly placed” Nigerians to oil theft in the country.
“The same has been the case with financing insurgency and Boko Haram. When will FGN summon the political will to publicly name such persons?” Mr Obi questioned.
President Muhammadu Buhari recently said security would be increased across the country to try to stamp out widespread oil theft, adding that the government will not allow a few criminals to have unfettered access to the nation’s crude oil supply.
The Buhari-led presidency has severally said that it knows some prominent Nigerians behind oil theft in the country, as well as those who have been sponsoring terrorism, noting that their identities will be disclosed in no time.
However, this promise tends to have lingered too long, with many believing that there is a plot to shield this individuals.
Reacting to this claim, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, in a statement said the government cannot name and shame suspected financiers of terrorism before they are tried and convicted.
While urging the government to take quick action regarding this issue, Mr Peter Obi was of the opinion that in the National Interest, there should be no sacred cows.
Addressing the issue of money politics, the former governor said he shares fully in the sentiments and views attributed to President Muhammadu Buhari on the need to resist ‘money bag’ politicians who plan to rig 2023 elections.
He said Nigeria’s democracy has come of age; and the people’s right to elect leaders of their choice should not be infringed upon.
As regards the protracted strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the LP Presidential Candidate said it is gratifying that governors have undertaken to mediate, adding that this is propitious and a remarkable show of leadership.
He said it is his hope that such direct constructive engagement will bring the strike to an end soonest.
