The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step down as Minister of Petroleum, arguing that the position should be held by a qualified professional who can drive necessary reforms in the sector.

CHRICED’s Program Manager, Victor Emejuiwe, made this call in a statement on Monday while marking the International Day of Social Justice. He emphasized that Nigeria’s petroleum sector is too critical to be managed without expert leadership.

“The President should step aside from his role as Minister of Petroleum and appoint a qualified Nigerian with the expertise needed to implement reforms.

This is vital because the petroleum sector plays a key role in the economy and requires someone with both technical knowledge and a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges,” the statement read.

According to CHRICED, bringing in an industry expert would improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in a sector long plagued by corruption and mismanagement.

The organization stressed that proper leadership could rebuild public trust and ensure that Nigeria’s resources are used for the benefit of all.

They further stated that future appointments, not just in the petroleum sector but across all areas of governance, should be based on merit. “Leadership should be about excellence and professionalism.

Also, adhering to the principle of federal character is crucial to ensure that all regions are fairly represented. Inclusivity fosters national unity and ensures that the diverse needs of Nigerians are met,” CHRICED added.