Kachikwu, Baru Face Suspension Over $25billion Petroleum Contract Row

The minister of state for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Maikanti Baru face suspension from office.

This development – if it eventually comes to be – is to allow for proper investigation into the $25billion contract row tearing the duo apart.

The minister in a leaked letter to President Muhammadu Buhari accused the NNPC boss of “illegally” awarding a $25billion contract.

The minister of state also alleged humiliating disrespect for his office in the manner Baru is going about his duty.

Kachikwu, formerly in charge of the NNPC alleged being sidelined in “functions” he should be consulted on and even approve.

The leaked letter- while the president keeps mum – generated huge public outcry.

And the Senate wading into the matter is calling for a suspension of both Kachikwu and Baru for a proper investigation into the matter.

The Senate’s position was made known by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Senator Tayo Alasoadura on Channel’s Television programme on Sunday.

He stated in the course of discussion “In order not to hinder or hamper that investigation, because records will be needed and even from the date of the leakage of that letter, I think action should have been taken to ensure that nothing will be missing when investigations start”

“So, I think the two of them should be asked to step aside and when investigation is over, whoever is culpable will go and whoever is not culpable will continue with his duties.”