ABUJA — The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Yabagi Sani, raised eyebrows at the recent appointment of Bayelsa-born Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources by President Bola Tinubu.
Sani, on Thursday, August 17, 2023, flagged the move as a ‘wrong signal’, emphasizing the dangers of fostering a sense of entitlement.
This appointment comes on the heels of a similar pattern in the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who held the Ministry of Petroleum Resources portfolio for himself while designating Timipre Sylva, a former Bayelsa State governor, as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
Casting a critical eye on the portfolio allocations, Sani remarked, “This sector (Niger Delta) appears to be moulded around the belief that its heads should hail from the Niger Delta. Such an approach sends the wrong signal as it could undermine efficiency when a sense of entitlement prevails.”
Drawing a parallel, Sani probed the criteria for such appointments, pondering, “If we’re to focus on regional representation for specific ministries, why doesn’t an indigene of North Central lead the Federal Capital Territory?”
Moreover, Sani underscored the pressing challenge of curbing crude oil theft, noting local communities’ role in such illicit activities.
He pressed for a shift in perspective, urging a more professional and nationally-centered lens on the petroleum sector.
While the role of the Minister of Petroleum Resources remains ambiguous, the IPAC chair highlighted the overwhelming responsibilities already on the president’s desk.
Expressing reservations about the president personally overseeing the ministry, Sani lamented the potential pitfalls in terms of accountability and the fight against crude oil theft.
He opined, “Entrusting the president with direct oversight of this pivotal ministry could lead to suboptimal outcomes. We’re seeking an industry where corruption is swiftly rooted out.”
Sani’s comments illuminate the broader debate surrounding regional representation in key national roles and the balance between professional aptitude and regional equity.
