Atiku Abubakar's Media Office Rebuts Attorney-General's Remarks on OPL 245
The media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a detailed clarification, asserting that its stance on the contentious OPL 245 oil asset dispute is firmly based on public records and legal processes, rather than political self-interest. This statement comes in direct response to recent comments made by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who had suggested that opposition voices on the matter were driven by personal gain.
Grounding in Legal and Factual Evidence
Speaking on behalf of Atiku Abubakar, Paul O. Ibe emphasized in the statement that such insinuations are misleading and detract from the substantive legal and factual issues surrounding the purported resolution of the OPL 245 matter. The statement highlighted that the position is rooted in publicly available documents, including a pre-action notice issued by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, which raises serious legal objections to the settlement claims.
Key stakeholders have disputed the legitimacy of the claimed resolution, noting that they were neither consulted nor involved in any negotiation process. Additionally, multiple lawsuits concerning the asset remain pending in court, underscoring the ongoing legal complexities.
Constitutional Responsibility and Public Interest
The statement stressed that raising questions based on verifiable records is not an act of opposition but a constitutional responsibility. It pointed out that OPL 245 is one of Nigeria's most consequential oil assets, long entangled in complex litigation and international scrutiny. The issues at stake are too serious for political spin, and the intervention is guided solely by the public interest and the need to uphold the rule of law.
Atiku Abubakar has never had any personal interest in OPL 245, the media office clarified, reinforcing that the focus is on ensuring transparency and accountability. The statement urged the Attorney-General to concentrate on addressing the substantive legal issues instead of dismissing legitimate concerns as mere propaganda.
Call for Upholding the Rule of Law
In conclusion, the media office warned that Nigeria cannot build credibility, both locally and internationally, by ignoring documented facts or dismissing legitimate questions. The rule of law must remain supreme, and all parties should prioritize legal integrity over political narratives. This response aims to reframe the discourse around OPL 245, emphasizing evidence-based scrutiny and national interest.
