Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated that the current government is a “government of Tinubu, by Tinubu, and for Tinubu.”
According to Sahara Reporters on Wednesday, Atiku expressed concern that even after Tinubu leaves office, it will be challenging to break free from the shackles of his influence.
He made comparison between Tinubu’s integration of his business interests into Lagos’s public enterprises and his efforts at the federal level.
Atiku cited the example of the Nigerian National
Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its retail arm being controlled by OVH, a company linked to Wale Tinubu, the president’s ally.
Atiku regretted that his plans to privatize the NNPC and increase transparency have been overshadowed by what he described as the criminal hijack of the company by corporate cabals around the president.
He questioned the controversial acquisition of OH by NNPCL and the retention of Mele Kyari as NNPC GMD despite his incompetence.
Atiku also criticized Tinubu’s appointment of his former boss, Pius Akinyelure, as NNPC Chairman, and his own role as Minister of Petroleum.
He said, “The NNPC did not disclose the purchase price of OVH or the terms of the acquisition. A Freedom of Information request by Premium Times was also rejected by the NNPC, which claimed to be a private company despite still being government-owned.
“Following this dubious deal, Mele Kyari was controversially retained as NNPC MD despite his incompetence. Tinubu then appointed his former boss at Mobil, turned ally, Pius Akinyelure, as NNPC Chairman, while he himself took on the role of Minister of Petroleum.”
The Daily Dispatch
