Reps adopt controversial Malabu oil deal report
Amidst bickering by members of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber on Tuesday adopted the report of its adhoc committee on the oil deal between Malabu Oil Ltd and the federal government.
The committee was set up nine months ago chaired by deputy House leader, Leo Ogor.
At Tuesday’s plenary, when the report came up for consideration, some lawmakers kicked against it. Rep Simon Arabo (PDP, Kaduna) condemned the contents of the report saying the recommendations were not only out of its mandate but unconstitutional.
Arabo argued that the report arrogated the role of the judiciary to the National Assembly.
In countering Arabo’s position, Rep Uzo Azubuike (PDP, Abia) said sections 88 and 89 of the constitution take care of his concerns.
However, Rep Kamil Akinlabi (PDP, Oyo) suggested the word “cancel” be replaced with “review” in one of the report recommendations that the federal government should cancel the transaction.
When the matter was put to vote, majority of the lawmakers voted against Akinlabi’s suggestion, maintaining the word “cancel.”
When put to vote, all the nine recommendations contained in the report were adopted by majority of the lawmakers present at the plenary.
The Malabu oil deal is a transaction involving the federal government and Shell/ Agip companies and Malabu Oil and Gas Limited in respect of oil block OPL 245.
One of the major recommendations of the report is that the federal government should cancel OPL 245 granted to Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCO) (50%) and Agip (50%).