Probe Kachikwu, Baru face-off, ACF tells Buhari

The northern socio-political group, Arewa Consultative Forum, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the allegation bordering on contract award levelled against the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

The ACF, who expressed concern over the issue, said the decision was taken at the end of its National Executive Council meeting in Kaduna on Thursday.

A communique signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Forum, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent, urged the President to investigate it in order to ascertain the facts.

It read, “The meeting expressed deep concern over the open altercations between the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, and the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Company. Dr. Maikanti Baru, over allegations of contract awards bordering on managerial imperfections and acts of insubordination made by the minister against the Group Managing Director.

“ACF had earlier called on Mr. President to thoroughly investigate the matter by giving fair hearing to both parties in order to know the actual facts in the interest of transparency in management practices of the NNPC.

“However, the meeting notes with regret the continued accusations and counter- accusations by the two public officers, which are precisely avoidable and unnecessary, considering the important role of the petroleum industry under their watch to the nation’s economy.”

On the contentious issue of restructuring, the ACF resolved to set up a committee on restructuring that would examine all aspects and suggest a common perspective on what represents the interest of the North without prejudice to other national interest.

The forum also reiterated its earlier position that it would key into any restructuring meant to improve the unity, peaceful coexistence, stability and balanced development of the country.

It called on government at all levels to intensify their efforts by making adequate budgetary provision for the resuscitation and maintenance of infrastructure across the country.

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