Why Buhari Can’t Be Petroleum Minister Says Ijaw Groups
The Ijaw People Development Initiative (IPDI) and the National Association of Izon Ebe Students have said President Muhammadu Buhari cannot be the Minister of Petroleum.
The groups in a joint statement released yesterday, October 7, by Messrs Austin Ozobo and Ebi Wayas, leaders of the group said the Nigerian constitution does not allow the president to hold any other office in whatever capacity, Vanguard reports.
They stated that as serving a president, Buhari lacked the power to assume the position of petroleum minister.
The statement read: “By virtue of Section 138 of the Nigeria Constitution of 1999 as amended, the president shall not during the tenure of his office hold any other executive or paid emolument in any capacity whatsoever.
“It is an act of lawlessness and the constitution prohibits a public officer assuming two political offices and earning double salaries, the president inclusive.”
The two Ijaw groups accused the president of taking the country back to the days of the military rule.
They added that if he wants to be petroleum minister, he should first resign as president and present himself to the Senate for screening.
The groups warned that there will be implications if he decides to occupy two offices as it may tarnish his change agenda.
On Tuesday, September 29, during the Global Leaders’ Summit on Countering ISIL and Violent Extremism in New York, Buhari had appointed himself as the petroleum minister. This announcement was trailed with mixed reactions.
The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos state said President Buhari decided to appoint himself as petroleum minister to protect the sector from massive looting which was the norm in past administrations.
The groups in a joint statement released yesterday, October 7, by Messrs Austin Ozobo and Ebi Wayas, leaders of the group said the Nigerian constitution does not allow the president to hold any other office in whatever capacity, Vanguard reports.
They stated that as serving a president, Buhari lacked the power to assume the position of petroleum minister.
The statement read: “By virtue of Section 138 of the Nigeria Constitution of 1999 as amended, the president shall not during the tenure of his office hold any other executive or paid emolument in any capacity whatsoever.
“It is an act of lawlessness and the constitution prohibits a public officer assuming two political offices and earning double salaries, the president inclusive.”
The two Ijaw groups accused the president of taking the country back to the days of the military rule.
They added that if he wants to be petroleum minister, he should first resign as president and present himself to the Senate for screening.
The groups warned that there will be implications if he decides to occupy two offices as it may tarnish his change agenda.
On Tuesday, September 29, during the Global Leaders’ Summit on Countering ISIL and Violent Extremism in New York, Buhari had appointed himself as the petroleum minister. This announcement was trailed with mixed reactions.
The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos state said President Buhari decided to appoint himself as petroleum minister to protect the sector from massive looting which was the norm in past administrations.
.jpg)
