[The Activism Blog] Kachikwu’s petition: SERAP asks Buhari to suspend Baru

The Social Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend the NNPC Managing Director Maikanti Baru.

In a statement on Thursday, October 5, 2017, the SERAP Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni stated that, “SERAP is concerned that years of systemic corruption within the NNPC and looting of Nigeria’s natural resources have had uneven consequences against the vulnerable groups of the society, including the poor, women and children, perpetrating and institutionalising discrimination, and jeopardising the needs and well-being of future generations,”.

The organisation also contends that the allegations by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, constitute grave breaches of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Act of 2000; and the UN Convention against Corruption (UNAC) which Nigeria recently ratified.

Speaking further, he said, “In particular, the UN convention against corruption imposes clear obligations on Nigeria to investigate allegations of corruption such as the present one; prosecute suspected perpetrators and ensure return and repatriation of proceeds of corruption.

If left unaddressed, the allegations by Dr Kachikwu have the potential of undermining your government’s expressed commitment to returning Nigeria to the path of transparency and accountability.

SERAP believes that Mr Baru’s case presents your administration with yet another rare opportunity to reassure a lot of Nigerians who may be worried about the direction of travel of your anti-corruption agenda.

Rather than keeping silent on the matter, we advise you to use this case to show to Nigerians that no form of corruption will be tolerated in the NNPC under your watch.

SERAP also believes the recommended approach would help to address the growing public suspicion and pessimism about your government’s ability to fight high-level official corruption to a standstill and to avoid any collateral consequences.

“It is absolutely important that the public should have complete confidence and trust in your administration’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption and the impunity of perpetrators.

We urge you not to allow the allegations against Mr Baru go the way of past inconclusive investigations of allegations of massive corruption within the NNPC.

Kachikwu had, in a recently leaked letter to President Buhari complained of being sidelined by the NNPC Managing Director in relation to the NNPC, an agency under his supervision.

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