NUPENG advises Buhari over NNPC feud

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to sweep under the carpet the feud between Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, and Dr. Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director (NNPC) over alleged $25 billion contract scam and other issues bordering on insubordination, and appointments in the corporation.

President of the union, Igwe Achese and General Secretary, Comrade Joseph Ogebor, said in a statement, that the issues raised in the leaked letter of the Minister if not well handled will affect the progress and development so far made in the oil and gas sector.

“NUPENG stated that Nigerians are watching and it is therefore important that the issue should not be swept under the carpet in view of the Buhari’s administrations fight against corruption and following due process.

“The union advises Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari not to treat the allegations with levity but with utmost good faith because the world is watching and waiting.

“We therefore call on President Muhammed Buhari to resolve the issues by moving in swiftly to address whatever is causing the ill-affection that has made them to work at cross-purposes in order not to jeopardise the reforms in the Oil and Gas industry.”

It stated that due process must be followed in the discharge of contractual agreements and those involving JVC’s agreement.

The union however expressed appreciation to the current government the steps taken so far in the JVC cash calls to the International Oil Companies (IOC) to stabilise the operations in the sector and the re-opening of moribund depots which has enhanced products delivery across the country.

It added that the current allegations must be addressed by the administration as one of its cardinal principle in the promotion of transparency and accountability.

“Our expectation is to see us as a hydrocarbon nation, to stop importation of petroleum products and to make our refineries work optimally so as to boast our foreign exchange earnings.

‘’The union reiterated reiterates that both Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and Dr. Maikanti Baru have done well in re-positioning the Oil and Gas industry and the in fighting will only petard the gains made so far.”

“Our NNPC 21 depots should be made to come back on stream and our pipelines secured with new trunk lines built across the country.

We believe this can create economic stability and can only be achieved where the Minister of Petroleum, Mr. President, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources and the GMD of NNPC are working in synergy.‎