A Senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Tayo Alasoadura, has asked for the suspension of the State Minister for Petroleum Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru.
This is specifically over the recent scandal involving the two in which Baru was alleged to have approved contracts to the tune of $25bn without the approval of the corporation’s board.
Speaking on Channels Television, Alasoadura said; “I believe so; (that they should be suspended), especially the man who is doing the day-to-day running of the organisation. In order not to hinder or hamper that investigation, because records will be needed and even from the date of the leakage of that letter, I think action should have been taken to ensure that nothing will be missing when investigations start
“So, I think the two of them should be asked to step aside and when the investigation is over, whoever is culpable will go and whoever is not culpable, will continue with his duties.
The Senator was also of the opinion that President Buhari who doubles as the minister of Petroleum should step down and appoint someone who would be more hands-on for the job.
“Judging from the many problems plaguing our country today, I believe Mr. President should devote more time to other things and let an independent person run the petroleum resources ministry who will then report to him twice or once a week.’’ he said