The Federal Government's assertion that the OPL 245 dispute has been settled has been met with skepticism by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Atiku has described the claim as misleading, citing a pre-action notice issued by Malabu Oil as evidence that the dispute remains unresolved.
The dispute, which has been ongoing for over fifteen years, has seen several related cases pending before the Supreme Court and the Federal High Court. Atiku has expressed concern that excluding Malabu, a key stakeholder, from the negotiation and settlement process raises serious due process concerns.
Reports that up to 30 percent of Nigeria's Joint Venture assets under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited could be sold have been met with alarm by Atiku. He has warned that any such move without transparency would amount to the quiet auctioning of Nigeria's future.
The Federal Government's handling of the OPL 245 dispute raises serious questions about transparency and accountability. President Tinubu's administration must explain why Malabu, a key stakeholder, was excluded from the negotiation and settlement process. The potential sale of up to 30 percent of Nigeria's Joint Venture assets without transparency is a reckless move that undermines the country's future. Atiku's warning that this move would amount to the quiet auctioning of Nigeria's future is a stark reminder of the need for accountability in the oil and gas sector.
