Atiku Accuses Tinubu Government of Propaganda Over OPL 245 Resolution Claims
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, accusing it of engaging in propaganda regarding the handling of the long-standing OPL 245 oil block dispute. In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, Atiku described recent government assertions of a "final resolution" as fundamentally misleading and deceptive to the Nigerian public.
Legal Challenge Undermines Government's Closure Narrative
The statement from the Atiku Media Office pointed to a significant legal development that contradicts official claims. Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, a key stakeholder in the controversial oil block, has issued a pre-action notice through its counsel, Chief R.O. Atabo (SAN), directly challenging the narrative of closure reportedly advanced by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
According to Atiku, this legal move demonstrates that the matter remains far from resolved, with active cases still pending before both the Supreme Court and the Federal High Court. He emphasized that Malabu was completely excluded from any negotiations leading to the reported resolution agreement, which was allegedly executed at the Presidential Villa.
The former vice president argued that sidelining a major stakeholder while legal proceedings continue raises serious questions about transparency, due process, and the integrity of the entire resolution process. He characterized this development as reflecting a broader pattern of governance that prioritizes optics over substantive action and genuine problem-solving.
Broader Concerns About National Assets and Fiscal Management
Beyond the specific OPL 245 controversy, Atiku expressed deep concern about multiple reports regarding Nigeria's strategic assets. He warned about potential plans to sell up to 30 percent of Nigeria's Joint Venture assets under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, emphasizing that these assets are crucial to the nation's revenue base and should not be disposed of without:
- Full transparency in the transaction process
- Competitive valuation to ensure fair market prices
- Public accountability for all decisions and outcomes
The statement also questioned the reported relocation of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services to Lagos, with alleged annual rental costs exceeding ₦9 billion. Atiku described this move as inconsistent with fiscal discipline, particularly at a time when Nigeria faces rising debt obligations and economic challenges.
Furthermore, the statement cited unverified allegations linking the property involved in this relocation to interests associated with the President's family, warning that failure to properly address such claims could significantly erode public trust in government institutions.
Worsening Economic Conditions and Security Challenges
On the broader state of the nation, Atiku asserted that Nigerians continue to grapple with deteriorating economic conditions and persistent insecurity, despite government claims of implementing meaningful reforms. He pointed to several concerning indicators:
- Rising national debt levels that threaten economic stability
- Ongoing security challenges across multiple regions
- Increased government spending on image management rather than substantive solutions
The former presidential candidate urged industry stakeholders, including the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), to remain vigilant and ensure that national assets are not compromised through opaque transactions or questionable deals.
Fundamental Governance Principles at Stake
Atiku maintained that the OPL 245 controversy represents more than just an oil block dispute—it has become emblematic of wider governance challenges where due process is undermined, legal disputes are prematurely declared resolved, and national assets are handled without sufficient transparency.
He stressed that democracy fundamentally depends on accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law, warning that any erosion of these principles weakens the very foundations of the country. "The Nigerian people deserve a government that tells the truth, manages resources transparently, and prioritizes security and economic stability over public relations," the statement concluded, emphasizing the need for genuine governance reform rather than superficial public relations maneuvers.
