Subsidy scam: Rep insists on Diezani’s resignation

Posted by admin Latest Politics, Oil Politics Friday, April 27th, 2012

April 27, 2012 by John Ameh, Abuja

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke

A member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Robinson Uwak, on Thursday repeated his call on the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, to resign her appointment following the uproar over the N1.07tn fuel subsidy scam.

Uwak had made the same call on the floor of the House on Wednesday but was overruled by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, who presided over proceedings.

Raising a matter on privilege, Uwak argued that as the supervising minister of the oil industry, Alison-Madueke should resign immediately.

He stated that the House appeared to be “shielding” the minister by not recommending her resignation.

Uwak’s position, which received the support of most lawmakers at the session, was overruled, leading to protests in the chambers.

But, on Thursday, Uwak, who represents Oron Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, still demanded the minister’s resignation.

He said, “I must state here that Nigeria is bigger than any single individual or group and we as Nigerians are periodically called upon to make sacrifices for the good of the nation.

“Nigerians are aware that a monumental fraud has occurred in the petroleum industry.

“Therefore, it will be shocking that anyone charged with managing this sector should remain in office.”

Though his effort to get the backing of the House was scuttled, the lawmaker told a news conference in Abuja on Thursday that many Nigerians had been calling him since Wednesday to express their gratitude.

Uwak noted that from the findings of the Ad-hoc committee on Monitoring of the Subsidy Regime, there was a “lack of will on the part of the ministry to tackle the problems in the sector”.

He added, “That is why I have to reiterate my position and again urge the minister to do the honourable thing and step aside for the good of the nation.

“This is a national issue; it is not sectional or ethnic.

“It is said that it is only when brave men keep quiet that corruption thrives.”

-Punchwp_posts