Former Nigerian Bar Association President, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has stressed the need for President Bola Tinubu to step down from his position as Minister of Petroleum Resources, emphasizing that the portfolio should not be held by the president.
According to Agbakoba, Tinubu should focus on leading the nation, leaving sector-specific roles to qualified professionals.
In a recent interview, Agbakoba discussed Nigeria’s political and economic challenges, ranging from soaring fuel prices and ongoing judicial reform needs to the restructuring of the nation’s constitution.
Agbakoba highlighted that without meaningful reforms, the Nigerian economy could continue to stagnate, especially in the wake of the removal of the fuel subsidy.
He voiced concerns that despite promising reforms, Nigerians are still experiencing severe hardship due to poor policy implementation.
Agbakoba’s criticism centers on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and its ambiguous role as both a market player and regulator in the oil sector.
He argued that the NNPCL’s dominant position distorts market operations, contributing to rising fuel prices.
The senior advocate called for a clear separation of roles between policymakers, regulators, and the private sector, urging that the NNPCL should operate purely as a business entity.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s historical struggles, Agbakoba drew parallels between the country’s forced unity and the disintegration of Yugoslavia following the death of its leader, Tito.
He asserted that Nigeria’s political union, formed without the consent of its diverse ethnic groups, needs to be reevaluated.
He called for a national conference to reassess the terms of Nigeria’s unity, likening the current political structure to a forced marriage.
Agbakoba also addressed the significance of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), stating that despite being a well-crafted document, it has not been implemented as intended. He lamented that the NNPCL, though now a private entity, continues to function as a government agency, undermining the very principles of the PIA.
In conclusion, Agbakoba called on President Tinubu to foster dialogue among Nigerians on these critical issues, likening the president’s role to that of a father overseeing a union between his children. According to him, real reform will only be possible when Nigerians are allowed to discuss their collective future openly and without governmental interference.
