Oil Sector Probe: Reps Shagaya, Whingan Distance Selves from Pro NNPCL Advert, Insist Probe Within Powers of the Parliament
Members of the House of Representatives Hon. Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya and Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan have disowned the inclusion of their names in an advertorial placed in some national dailies calling for caution in the ongoing probe by the joint committee on Petroleum Resources Midstream and Downstream on the challenges affecting the Midstream and Downstream petroleum sectors.
On Sunday, about 120 of members under the banner of 1AGENDA placed an advertorial reportedly aimed at protecting Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Condemning the Unauthorized Inclusion of his Name in the “1 AGENDA” Statement, Hon. Shagaya who represents Ilorin West and Asa Federal Constituency, Kwara State said the parliament has a constitutional duty to investigate complaints and concerns before taking any stance.
The Lawmaker who’s the Deputy Chairman House Committee on Basic Education & Services stated that the reason for the clarification is because silence on matters such as this can often be misinterpreted as concurrence.
His statement reads, “I wish to address the recent publication attributed to a coalition named “1 AGENDA,” which falsely includes my name as one of the 120 lawmakers behind the statement titled “NNPCL: A Call for Caution.” I categorically state that I am neither a member of this so-called coalition nor aware of its existence until the publication of this statement. I did not sign any statement, nor was I consulted or informed about it. The inclusion of my name, listed as number 62 among the supposed supporters, is both unauthorized and misleading.
“To avoid any misconceptions, I firmly believe in the right to a fair hearing, particularly concerning issues related to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The House of Representatives has a constitutional duty to investigate complaints and concerns before taking any stance, and I fully support this process.
“Silence on matters such as this can often be misinterpreted as concurrence, which is why I am compelled to speak out. I urge the general public to disregard any association of my name with the “1 AGENDA” statement. Furthermore, I call upon the group behind this publication, “1 AGENDA,” to immediately withdraw the statement and tender a public apology to me for this unauthorized inclusion. Such actions undermine the integrity of the legislative process and mislead the public. I remain committed to serving my constituents and upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and due process in all legislative activities.”
Similarly, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan,
who represents Badagry Federal Constituency Lagos State, in his statement said, “it has come to my attention that a recent publication by 1 AGENDA includes my name, Hon. Whingan Sesi, as No. 47 in the publication titled “NNPCL: A Call for Caution’. | wish to categorically state that | was neither present at any such meeting nor pest of any resolution process regarding this matter. Furthermore, | did not sign the said document or any document related to this organization, and nor do | have any knowledge of the existence of 1 AGENDA or its objectives. | find it necessary to clarify my stance and to correct this misrepresentation. The publication in question does not reflect my views or position on the matter, and | firmly disassociate myself from it.
“I support the rightful process of investigation and fair hearing in addressing any issues related to NNPCL and NMDPRA 88 instituted by the House of Representatives and any existing legal framework. Additionally, as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), | maintain that any discussions or calls for action regarding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) should be based on thorough investigations and factual evidence. I hereby, urge the group/organization/association 1 AGENDA to immediately withdraw the publication and issue a public apology for the unauthorized use of my name. This action not only misrepresent my stance but also undermines the integrity of the legislative process.
“Furthermore, I reaffirm my commitment to transparency and accountability in all legislative matters. | support fair hearing and due process in all matters including but not limited to issues relating to NNPCL and NMDPRA. As representative of the good people of Badagry and as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), | will continue to adhere to the dictate of our constitution and house rules. Therefore, | urge the Public to follow constitutional processes and allow the appropriate committees to conduct their investigation, if any, without unwarranted external pressure.”