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FG chides Atiku: You’re wicked, enemy of progress *Nigeria will move without you
From the Federal Government on Wednesday, came a mouthful of lacerating lashes against Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, for assailing the agreement Nigeria entered into, to finally rest the issue of the decades-old OPL 245 disputation, which has survived different administrations.
The issue has to do with a highly controversial revocation of the deal between the Federal Government and Malabu Oil and Gas for the exploitation of the ultra-deepwater oil block in Nigeria, estimated to hold 9 billion barrels of crude.
The government, following allegations of fraud in the deal entered into in 1998, by the government of the late Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s former Head of State, revoked it and awarded a new deal in 2011 to Eni and Shell, thus triggering of years of international bribery lawsuits and arbitration, as funds allegedly flowed to private individuals rather than the Nigerian state.
But the latest, which has seemingly opened a new chapter in the unending controversy, is Atiku, assailing the FG’s claims of finally resolving the matter, which he dismissed as a lie, insisting that the matter was still live.
Atiku, had on Sunday, poohpoohed the FG’s announcement of a successful deal to end the dispute, which it made through Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, on March 5.
The Minister had described the deal, which was reportedly cut with Eni, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAEL), as a milestone in repositioning Nigeria’s economic landscape, a statement the former VP, dismissed.
Stressing his disagreement with the claim, Atiku not only described it as “nothing more than political theatrics,” but added that the matter was far from resolved, as it remained subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
Bemoaning the outcome, where he claimed that some key stakeholders were excluded from the process, he had warned: “A government that sidelines critical stakeholders, disregards pending judicial processes, and proceeds to celebrate a disputed agreement demonstrates not strength, but recklessness.”
But, in a quick riposte, Fagbemi, replied the former VP in a lengthy statement, where he all but dismissed the Waziri Adamawa, as an enemy of progress, warning Nigerians to beware of his antics together with his camp.
Giving a historical sequence through which the government reached what he saw as a permanent resolution of the issue, the AGF-MoJ, stated that the ongoing opposition revealed what the country was dealing with at this moment of its development, regarding the likes of the former VP.
Hear him: “The persistence of these criticisms, despite clear legal, commercial, and national interest considerations, strongly suggests that they are driven not by patriotism or objective reasoning, but by undisclosed and self-serving interests.
“Those advancing such narratives must be understood for what they represent—an attempt to frustrate a lawful and strategic resolution that stands to unlock immense value for the Nigerian people.
“Their posture is not only misleading but ultimately inimical to the collective interest, as it seeks to deny over 200 million Nigerians the economic and developmental benefits of a critical national asset.
“Nigerians should, therefore, view such interventions with the caution they deserve and reject efforts aimed at derailing progress for narrow personal or political gain. The national interest must not be sacrificed on the altar of hidden agenda.”
Giving a snapshot of the entire event, Fagbemi, stated: “It will be recalled that the block was originally awarded to Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd (Malabu) in April 1998, revoked in July 2001, and subsequently allocated to Shell Nigeria Ultra-Deep Limited (SNUD) in May 2002. These actions gave rise to extensive litigation and public hearings before the National Assembly.
“The disputes arising from the revocation and reallocation were eventually addressed through the 2011 Resolution Agreement involving the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), Malabu, SNUD (now succeeded by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited – SNEPCo), and Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE)/Eni entities.
“Under that Agreement, Malabu relinquished all claims and interests in OPL 245 for valuable consideration, while the Federal Government reallocated the block to SNUD (SNEPCo) and NAE as joint license holders. The Agreement also required the Federal Government to convert OPL 245 into an Oil Mining Lease (OML).
Subsequently, the transactions and actions arising from the 2011 Agreement were subjected to rigorous judicial scrutiny in multiple criminal and civil proceedings across jurisdictions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
“These proceedings did not establish any wrongdoing against Eni, SNEPCo, or the transaction as a whole. Following the conclusion of these litigations, and in light of the Federal Government’s delay in converting OPL 245 into an OML, Eni entities and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited initiated arbitration proceedings against the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
“They contended that the delay constituted a breach of Nigeria’s obligations under the Nigeria–Netherlands Bilateral Investment Treaty. As a result, Nigeria faced a potential liability exceeding US$2 billion in damages and associated costs.
“It is noteworthy that although the ICSID arbitration, which commenced in 2020, received considerable public attention, none of the stakeholders now being referenced by the former Vice-President participated in those proceedings.
“The arbitration was not concerned with questions of ownership of Malabu or internal disputes within the company. Rather, it focused strictly on whether Nigeria had wrongfully delayed or refused the conversion of OPL 245 into an OML, and whether such actions breached its treaty obligations to foreign investors.
“At no point did the individuals now laying claim to interests in Malabu initiate proceedings in that forum, nor did they possess a legal basis to intervene in a dispute centered on sovereign obligations and licensing decisions.
“It is also important to highlight that OPL 245, located in deep offshore waters approximately 150 kilometres from Nigeria’s coastline, has long been regarded as one of the country’s most commercially promising hydrocarbon assets. However, for decades, it remained largely undeveloped due to persistent legal and political disputes.
“The decisive action taken by the current administration is aimed at resolving these long-standing issues, avoiding significant financial exposure, and creating the conditions necessary for the asset to be fully developed and brought into production.
“The significance of this development cannot be overstated. OPL 245 is projected to contribute approximately 150,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s oil production capacity. The project is designed around a large-scale floating production system and includes substantial gas export components linked to Nigeria LNG. For decades, OPL 245 symbolised unrealised national potential.
“The present resolution, achieved under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, transforms it into a viable and bankable development opportunity capable of delivering substantial economic and social benefits, including increased government revenue, enhanced energy security, and renewed investor confidence.
“Furthermore, the public should be guided by the most recent and authoritative judicial pronouncement on the matter. In Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited v. Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd (2025) 15 NWLR (Pt 2009) 551, the Court of Appeal dismissed Malabu’s challenge to the allocation of OPL 245 to Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, holding that the action was statute-barred and constituted an abuse of court process.”
Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President, on Friday, pushed back against reports quoting him as promising to retrieve tickets from winners of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in lieu of sitting senators, who failed at the party’s primaries recently.
He also spoke on the issue of the comprehensive probe called by Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State, now Senator representing Edo North at the National Assembly, clarifying his position on the matte, which has since raised a lot of dust within the polity.
The twin issues, dominated the outcome of proceedings on Thursday, on the day the Senators returned after going on recess to participate in the party primaries that took place across board in Nigeria in line with the electoral outlay of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Minister of the Niger Delta and now Chairman of the National Assembly, who conveyed his position through Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesman, denied ever making such promise to his colleagues, as it went against the grain of democratic ethos, which he had vowed to uphold.
Regarding the probe of the military, Akpabio, in the statement, stressed the need not to distract the institution, but provide it with all the needed support, giving the parlous security situation in the country, its personnel had been battling relentless.
The statement read in full: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.
“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorised to be made such promise.
“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathise with senators who were affected by the outcome of their primary elections.
“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes. He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.
“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents. While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.
“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine morale and operational focus.
“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time. Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria.
“Senator Akpabio urges the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.”
No candidate was imposed neither was any member barred from participating in the process, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said on Thursday, which defending the integrity of the exercise, which ended on May 29.
In a statement by Ikenna Enekweizu, National Secretary, party said that all aspirants were given a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic process, adding that the selection process was driven by consultation, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement through established leadership structures across the country.
Stressing that its National Secretariat was never involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state, contrary to allegations that have emerged following the conclusion of the primaries, the statement added: “At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.
“Aspirants seeking elective positions were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities. In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an existing network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who currently serve as caucus heads across the region.
“These include former governors and senior political figures such as Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, among others. The party explained that these leaders were tasked with conducting stakeholder consultations and helping build consensus around aspirants in their respective states.
“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states.
“Aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder recommendations were not excluded from the process but were allowed to test their popularity through grassroots primaries. This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the party said.
Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, the NDC acknowledged reports of individuals prematurely declaring themselves candidates as well as complaints regarding aspects of the process.
However, it maintained that such issues had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for resolution.
The statement also highlighted the party’s commitment to affirmative action and greater female participation in politics, noting that efforts had been made to encourage women to seek elective offices while also considering the interests of serving lawmakers.
Looking ahead, the NDC announced plans to begin a broad reconciliation process aimed at healing divisions and strengthening party unity after the conclusion of the primaries.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party.”
The party reiterated that its role throughout the nomination process was primarily to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of its commitment to fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate caucus structures for participation in party affairs.
According to the NDC, the approach reflects its commitment to internal democracy, consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for established leadership structures as it continues preparations for future elections.
Idi Abbas, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), on Friday, prayed for a legislation to establish a special court to try those caught in the business of stealing crude oil in Nigeria, saying the current general law was not too helpful in stemming the tide.
It was also a day he claimed that the powerful forces behind the syndicate had a way of projecting fronts while remaining behind the scene, which made it almost impossible to track them to face justice.
In fact, Abbas, a Vice Admiral, revealed that the operation was so perfect that those arrested at illegal refining sites were usually low-level operatives with little knowledge of the larger criminal network.
A guest on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, the Naval Chief noted that many of those apprehended during operations are merely workers paid small sums, adding that such a complex structure of oil theft syndicates made it difficult to identify and prosecute the individuals who orchestrate the criminal enterprise.
“Most of the faces behind these thefts are not really known or are not the ones we always catch. The ones we get at most of the illegal refinery sites are just being given some paltry sum, while the big masquerades are the ones that make the real money. Prosecuting suspects is often complicated by the fact that many of those arrested have little or no information about the people directing the operations.
“In trying to prosecute some of these people that we get, some of them don’t even know who they are working for. So, the network is a very delicate one.
“But despite the challenges the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies are continually refining their strategies to counter the evolving tactics of oil thieves. As they are evolving strategies, we are also evolving new strategies. Like I keep saying, technology is the way forward. With that, we have been able to reduce the level of theft.”
Stating that the adoption of technology-driven surveillance, intelligence gathering and monitoring systems had significantly enhanced efforts to curb crude oil theft and protect critical national assets, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to sustaining operations against oil theft, stressing that collaboration among security agencies, stakeholders and host communities remains essential to safeguarding the nation’s oil resources.
The naval boss while assuring that Nigeria’s coastal and riverine communities are relatively safe, said the Nigerian Navy had made significant progress in reducing threats along the coast, particularly illegal oil-related activities and sea robbery.
“As it stands today, I can say that our coastal areas and the riverine areas are relatively safe. While crude oil theft and isolated cases of sea robbery remain areas of concern, the Navy has been largely successful in containing such activities through intensified surveillance and enforcement operations.
Hear him: “What we are contending with mostly there is the issue of crude oil theft and some pockets of sea robbery, which we are able to curtail. There is need for the establishment of a special court dedicated to prosecuting maritime crimes.
“This court will focus exclusively on cases involving crude oil theft and other maritime-related offences, helping to address delays associated with the conventional judicial process. The establishment of such a court would significantly accelerate the dispensation of justice and reduce the burden currently placed on the Navy in maintaining seized vessels and other exhibits pending the conclusion of lengthy court processes.
“If we have that in place, I believe the dispensation of justice will be done much faster and then ease the burden of keeping and maintaining some of the arrested vessels, which will be taken off from us because we spend a lot to maintain those vessels under our custody.”
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