By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a recent development, the Northern Progressive Forum, a pro-All Progressive Congress (APC) group, has fervently called for the immediate dismissal of Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum, over accusations of impersonating the President of Nigeria.
The controversy erupted following Lokpobiri's unilateral appointment of Ya’u Usman Idris as the new Executive Officer of the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Agency, a move deemed by the group as a clear instance of impersonating presidential authority. In a scathing statement issued by Abdulazeez Adamu, the group's media director, Lokpobiri's actions were condemned as a flagrant disregard for established administrative procedures and an encroachment on the President's prerogative.
Adamu asserted, "The appointment of key officials is the exclusive responsibility of the President, conveyed through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Lokpobiri's unilateral decision to appoint a new Director General without proper authorization underscores his incompetence and raises serious questions about his fitness for office."
Furthermore, the group accused Lokpobiri of succumbing to external pressures, particularly citing allegations of undue influence from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his allies. They rebuked Wike for purportedly boasting about his control over government appointments and accused him of prioritizing the interests of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) over those of the APC.
Expressing their dismay over what they perceive as the infiltration of PDP members into the government's affairs, the group emphasized the urgent need for President Tinubu to scrutinize his aides more closely to prevent future incidents of impersonation and misuse of power. They urged caution among those entrusted with authority and warned against allowing personal interests to override the nation's welfare.
In conclusion, the Northern Progressive Forum's demand for Lokpobiri's dismissal underscores the escalating tensions within the APC ranks and underscores the imperative for accountability and transparency in government appointments. As the controversy unfolds, all eyes remain fixed on the presidency for decisive action in addressing the concerns raised by the group.
Tags
News