The House of Representatives has taken a significant step by agreeing to investigate a petition demanding the removal of Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe from her executive position at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Petition Calls for Regional Representation
During Thursday's plenary session, lawmakers resolved to examine the petition filed by Ezi Umuada Igbo, a prominent socio-cultural organization representing Igbo women worldwide. The petition specifically targets Mrs. Mbakwe's appointment as Executive Vice President (Business Services) of NNPCL, a position meant to represent the South East region.
The document was formally presented by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Chairman of the Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream, after being addressed to Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. The petitioners argue that Mrs. Mbakwe originates from a state outside the South East geopolitical zone, making her ineligible to represent the region.
Constitutional Violation Alleged
The heart of the petition centers on the alleged breach of Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which establishes the Federal Character Principle. This constitutional provision mandates that public service appointments must reflect Nigeria's federal character to promote national unity and prevent regional marginalization.
While expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for considering an Igbo woman for the strategic national position, the association firmly maintains that appointing a non-South East indigene to a position specifically designated for the region constitutes a clear deviation from constitutional requirements.
Demand for Qualified Igbo Representation
The petitioners have called upon the Federal Government, National Assembly, and relevant authorities to review the appointment made on November 7, 2025. They emphasize that the South East region possesses numerous qualified, experienced, and patriotic women capable of filling the position.
Ezi Umuada Igbo Association asserts that the five states of the South East boast a rich pool of competent, sophisticated, and vibrant women who can adequately represent the region's interests within the national oil company's management team.
The House of Representatives' decision to investigate this matter marks another chapter in the ongoing debate about regional representation and federal character compliance in key national appointments.
