IN the wake of crisis rocking the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, a rights group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently refer the allegations of corruption and abuse of office against Mr Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director of NNPC to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation.
SERAP also urged President Buhari to allow Baru face prosecution should he be found culpable.
The organization also urged Buhari to suspend Mr Baru pending the referral to the EFCC and ICPC.
“SERAP is concerned that years of systemic corruption within the NNPC and looting of Nigeria’s natural resources have had uneven consequences against the vulnerable groups of the society, including the poor, women and children, perpetrating and institutionalizing discrimination, and jeopardizing the needs and well-being of future generations. If left unaddressed, the allegations by Dr Kachikwu have the potential of undermining your government’s expressed commitment to returning Nigeria to the path of transparency and accountability.”
“SERAP believes that Mr Baru’s case presents this Administration with yet another rare opportunity to reassure a lot of Nigerians who may be worried about the direction of travel of anti-corruption agenda. Rather than keeping silent on the matter, we advise you to use this case to show to Nigerians that no form of corruption will be tolerated in the NNPC under your watch.”
“SERAP also believes the recommended approach would help to address the growing public suspicion and pessimism about your government’s ability to fight high-level official corruption to a standstill and to avoid any collateral consequences. It is absolutely important that the public should have complete confidence and trust in your Administration’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption and the impunity of perpetrators.
“SERAP notes the recent allegations of corruption against Mr Baru by Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State of Petroleum and Chairman NNPC Board. In the letter to you Dr Kachikwu alleged among others appointments and postings in NNPC without due process; award of contracts above $20m without following the legal and procedural requirements for such contracts including the Crude Term contracts- valued at over $10bn; the DSDP contracts- value over $5bn; the AKK pipeline contract- value approximately $3bn; various financing allocation funding contracts with the NOCs – value over $3bn; and various NPDC production service contracts – valued at over $3bn–$4bn,” he said.
SERAP urged the President to refer the allegations against Mr Baru to both the EFCC and ICPC for further investigations, and if there is relevant and sufficient admissible evidence, for him to face prosecution
The Group also pointed out that pending the referral to the EFCC and ICPC, Baru should be suspended from his position as Group Managing Director NNPC, pending the outcome of an investigation by the EFCC and ICPC.