The United Progressives Party, (UPP) has called on the federal government to revisit the recent appointment of top management officers in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. The appointment is already generating negative reactions in the country, as it is believed to be skewed against Nigerians from south-east geo-political zone.
The UPP in a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Ogbuehi Dike said it ‘’is appalled by the Federal Government’s exclusion of the South East geopolitical zone in the recent appointment of top management Officers in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in flagrant violation of the Federal character principle as provided in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
‘’It is a classic example of the unwarranted marginalization of Ndigbo that fueled the agitation for secession which has threatened the corporate existence of the nation.’’
The party called on President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly review and revisit the appointments and include people of the South East in key positions in national interest.
Speaking on the move to revoke the bail granted the leader of the separatist group, Independent People of Biafra, (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, and the UPP pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to jettison the attempt to revoke the bail granted to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu and re-arrest him.
‘’It is a political misadventure that will deepen the agitation for secession and uprising in the South East and beyond.’’
The party equally expressed concern over the ongoing strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Resident Doctors who have embarked on industrial action and urge the Federal Government to take immediate action to address their grievances.
‘’This will go a long way to reduce tension in the polity, essential for development in this period of economic recession.
‘’Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of flood that ravaged Benue State. We call on Governments at all levels, organizations, international agencies and individuals to assist our fellow compatriots affected by the flood in Benue State.’’
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