Ijaw groups knock Buhari over petroleum ministry portfolio

In from Timothy Enietan-Matthews (Nation’s capital)

The decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to take charge of the Petroleum Resources Ministry has drawn the ire of two Ijaw groups, Ijaw People Development Initiative, IPDI and the National Association of Izon Ebe Students, arguing that it was unconstitutional for President Buhari to assume the office of Minister of Petroleum.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, leaders of the groups, Messrs Austin Ozobo and Ebi Wayas respectively, said: “By virtue of Section 138 of the Nigeria Constitution of 1999 as amended, the president shall not during the tenure of his office hold any other executive or paid emolument in any capacity whatsoever.

“This provision is indisputably clear, Buhari is taking us back to the days of the military rule. Obviously, he lacks the power to assume the position of petroleum minister as serving president,” they said.

According to the groups, the President’s action amounts to lawlessness, “as the constitution prohibits a public officer assuming two political offices and earning double salaries, the president inclusive.

“The president should resign as president and subject himself to screening by the Senate if he wants to be petroleum minister.

“However, we advise him on the implication and negative impression his resolve to occupy two offices ‎may create on his unpopular change agenda,” they added.

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