The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Sani Yabagi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to step down from his role as Minister of Petroleum, suggesting that his dual position is hindering efforts to address corruption in the oil and gas sector.

In an interview with Africa Independent Television (AIT) on Sunday, Yabagi highlighted that Tinubu’s control over the petroleum ministry could obstruct critical investigations into the sector.

According to Yabagi, the president’s resignation from this ministerial role is necessary to ensure a transparent and thorough probe into the alleged fraudulent activities that have plagued the oil industry for years.

Yabagi expressed concern that the president’s continued role as Petroleum Minister sends a troubling message, implying that he might be protecting corrupt elements within the sector.

He stated, “It doesn’t reflect well on him, as it gives the impression that he is shielding those responsible for the widespread corruption in the oil industry.

We all know that corruption in Nigeria is most rampant in this sector, so Tinubu’s direct involvement in it raises serious concerns.”

The ADP chairman went on to explain that having the president oversee the petroleum ministry creates significant challenges for accountability, as it limits the ability of other government institutions, such as the National Assembly, to hold officials accountable.

“For example, when issues arise, the National Assembly can’t effectively summon anyone because the ultimate authority lies with the president himself.

The Minister of State is powerless in this situation because his direct superior is also the president, who holds ultimate power. This makes it difficult to investigate or interrogate any wrongdoing in the sector.”

Yabagi also pointed out the ongoing crisis in the oil and gas sector, characterized by numerous allegations of corruption and mismanagement, which have contributed to persistent fuel shortages and instability in Nigeria.

“This sector is of paramount importance to Nigeria’s economy. It’s clear that there are fraudulent practices, so why is the president, who acknowledges the existence of these issues, preventing thorough investigations? Why are Nigerians being denied the chance to scrutinize what’s happening in the oil industry?”

He emphasized that, due to the president’s involvement, no one in the petroleum industry has been held legally accountable for any wrongdoings.

“No official in the oil sector has been prosecuted because you can’t take legal action against the president, who holds this dual role. This situation must change if we are to see any real progress in fighting corruption in the sector,” Yabagi concluded.

The call for President Tinubu’s resignation as Petroleum Minister comes at a time when Nigerians are facing significant challenges due to the mismanagement of the oil sector, and many believe that greater transparency and accountability are necessary to address these issues.