Amanze Chinonye
The Atiku Media Office has criticised the Federal Government’s claim of a “final resolution” in the long-running OPL 245 dispute, describing it as misleading and premature amid fresh legal developments, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the media office said a pre-action notice filed by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited challenges the narrative advanced by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, that the matter had been conclusively settled.
According to the statement, the notice filed through counsel Chief R.O. Atabo indicates that the dispute remains subject to ongoing litigation, including cases before the Supreme Court and the Federal High Court.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Atiku camp further alleged that Malabu, described as a principal stakeholder in the oil block, was not consulted or involved in any negotiation leading to the reported “Resolution Agreement” said to have been executed at the Presidential Villa.
It argued that excluding key stakeholders while legal proceedings are still pending raises questions about the legality and transparency of the agreement, warning that such actions could undermine due process.
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Beyond the immediate dispute, the statement linked the development to what it described as a broader pattern of governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the administration of prioritising public messaging over institutional processes.
The media office also expressed concern over reports that up to 30 per cent of Nigeria’s Joint Venture oil assets under NNPC Limited could be sold, cautioning that such assets are critical to national revenue and should not be disposed of without transparency and public accountability.
It called on industry groups, including the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, to remain vigilant against what it termed “opaque transactions.”
The statement also referenced reports concerning the relocation of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services to Lagos, allegedly involving annual rental costs exceeding ₦9 billion, describing the move as questionable amid rising debt servicing obligations.
It further raised concerns over unverified allegations linking the property involved to interests associated with the President’s family, stating that failure to address such claims could erode public trust.
The Atiku Media Office maintained that the OPL 245 issue reflects wider governance challenges in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, including concerns over transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal processes.
It urged the Federal Government to prioritise due process and institutional integrity, insisting that legal disputes should not be presented as settled matters while still before the courts.
The Federal Government has yet to officially respond to the latest claims.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
