Some constitutional lawyers and civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of Alliance for Transparency have faulted Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, for the dissolution of the joint committee on petroleum midstream and downstream investigating the challenges in the sectors.
On Monday, Akin Rotimi, speaker of the house, in a statement said the leadership of the lower legislative chamber resolved to dissolve the joint committee and reconstitute an ad-hoc panel to handle the investigation.
“Initially tasked with investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security issues, this committee will be succeeded by a newly constituted ad-hoc committee with the same mandate,” the statement reads.
“To ensure the efficacy and independence of this investigation, the new committee will consist of honourable members selected for their expertise, competence, and integrity.
“The House remains committed to addressing these vital issues and ensuring thorough oversight. Further details on the new committee’s operations will be provided in due course.”
However, the lawyers and CSOs in a joint statement signed by John Lalong, their national coordinator, wondered how the leadership of the house of representatives can dissolve an assignment given to a standing committee of just by a media statement from the Spokesman.
The group recalled that the referral came to the joint committee on petroleum resources (downstream) and (midstream) chaired by Ikenga Ugochinyere and Henry Okojie by a resolution of the house in plenary.
The group also said that the heightened public interest and current economic situation showed that the public has confidence in the house to ensure the finding of the problems and resolution of all anomalies in the downstream, midstream oil sector, amongst others.
The lawyers and CSOs stated that it is disappointing that the dissolution happened hours after allegations emerged that NNPCL being rattled by the uncompromising stance of the house Joint committee was left with no option and induced the House leadership financially to have his way.
Describing the dissolution as an illegal plot by the house to cover the rot in petroleum sector, the group maintained that the only way to reverse the referral is also by a resolution of the house in plenary.
