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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