A Port Harcourt-based businessman, Mr. Lawson Khel, has faulted the president in his decision to
appoint himself Minister of Petroleum.
Mr. Lawson said the president by appointed himself have flagrantly disobeyed Section 138 of the
Nigerian Constitution which expressly states that “The President shall not, during his tenure of
office, hold any other executive office or paid employment in any capacity whatsoever.”
A statement released by Mr. Lawson reads “Nigerians appreciate the anti-corruption war being
embarked upon by Mr. President and his government; however, appointing himself Minister of
Petroleum is in total disregard for the Nigerian constitution.”
“I agree that President Buhari is the Chief Executive of the Country, and automatically the chairman
of all federal government parastatals, but his rights are limited under the constitution. Therefore the
president should resign his position as the Minister of Petroleum of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
and concentrate on being President. I know he spearheaded the establishment of the Nigerian
National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) when he was oil minister in the late 1970’s. He has the
cognate experience to do a thorough job; unfortunately, he is restrained by the constitution.”
The statement further reads, “There may not necessarily be a substantive Minister of Petroleum, the
President can still oversee the ministry in question, but certainly not as minister. Naming yourself
minister means that you occupy two executive offices, which the constitution does not permit”.
It will be recalled that on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, the president swore-in 36 ministers and
named himself Minister of Petroleum, amidst laughter from those present at the event. One big
disadvantage of having the president of the country as Minister of Petroleum Resources is that it will
be very difficult, if not impossible, for him to be summoned by the National Assembly to be grilled
over any misgivings that might arise, and to supply information that will help to set the minds of
Nigerians at rest when the “clean-up” of the industry begins. The story will be different if a minister
is on the job.
Mr Lawson frowned that by appointing himself minister, the president also violated Section 14 (3) of
the Constitution which states that “the composition of the Government of the Federation or any of
its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the
federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national
loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few State…”
“Sen. Hadi Sirika of Katsina State is Minister of State, Aviation, with President Mohammadu Buhari
as Minister of Petroleum means Katsina State has two ministers. With Babatunde Fashola as minister
of Power, Works and Housing, it also clearly shows that Lagos state has three slots. Nigerians are not
aware that the President merged these three ministries. This is not acceptable”
“Having pointed out these facts, I am asking Mr. President to resign his position as Minister of
Petroleum within seven days, to avoid legal action against him. I am concerned about issues of
transparency and accountability if the president takes up the post in addition to his onerous and
overloaded duties as the nation’s Chief Executive and Security Officer.”
On matters concerning Rivers State, Mr. Lawson commended the Governor of the State, Barr.
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, for the laudable projects being embarked upon by his administration.
He however urged the governor to speedily constitute his cabinet, to enable the state move to
greater heights. He stressed that the governor appoint a young, intelligent and energetic youth to
oversee the Ministry of Commerce to ensure that fresh and bright ideas are brought to bare to
economically advance Rivers State.
He enjoined all politicians to work with the present government of the state for better
advancement. He said “Rivers State is our collective patrimony; we should all lay aside our political
difference and work for the greater good of the state.”
