$26bn Scandal: Suspend, Hand Baru Over To EFCC, ICPC, SERAP Tells Buhari

At the heels of the alleged $26 billion contract scandal that has rocked the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called for the immediate suspension of its Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru.

SERAP’s reaction comes after the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari over Baru’s alleged insubordination and abuse of office.

In a statement on Thursday by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, SERAP urged President Buhari to refer all allegations against the NNPC GMD to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for proper investigation.

The rights group also said pending the outcome of any investigation against Baru, the NNPC GMD must step down “in order not to create the impression that your [Buhari’s] government is treating Mr Baru as a sacred cow. We urge you not to allow the allegations against Mr Baru go the way of past inconclusive investigations of allegations of massive corruption within the NNPC.”

The statement further reads in part: “The allegations by Dr Kachikwu constitute grave breaches of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Act of 2000; and the UN Convention against Corruption (UNAC) which Nigeria recently ratified. In particular, the UN Convention against Corruption imposes clear obligations on Nigeria to investigate allegations of corruption such as the present one; prosecute suspected perpetrators and ensure return and repatriation of proceeds of corruption.

“SERAP is concerned that years of systemic corruption within the NNPC and looting of Nigeria’s natural resources have had uneven consequences against the vulnerable groups of the society, including the poor, women and children, perpetrating and institutionalizing discrimination, and jeopardizing the needs and well-being of future generations. If left unaddressed, the allegations by Dr Kachikwu have the potential of undermining your government’s expressed commitment to returning Nigeria to the path of transparency and accountability.

“SERAP believes that Mr Baru’s case presents your Administration with yet another rare opportunity to reassure a lot of Nigerians who may be worried about the direction of travel of your anti-corruption agenda. Rather than keeping silent on the matter, we advise you to use this case to show to Nigerians that no form of corruption will be tolerated in the NNPC under your watch.

“SERAP also believes the recommended approach would help to address the growing public suspicion and pessimism about your government’s ability to fight high-level official corruption to a standstill, and to avoid any collateral consequences. It is absolutely important that the public should have complete confidence and trust in your Administration’s repeated commitment to fight corruption and the impunity of perpetrators.

“SERAP notes the recent allegations of corruption against Mr Baru by Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State of Petroleum and Chairman NNPC Board. In the letter to you Dr Kachikwu alleged among others appointments and postings in NNPC without due process; award of contracts above $20m without following the legal and procedural requirements for such contracts including the Crude Term contracts- value at over $10bn; the DSDP contracts- value over $5bn; the AKK pipeline contract- value approximately $3bn; various financing allocation funding contracts with the NOCs – value over $3bn; and various NPDC production service contracts – value at over $3bn–$4bn,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Kachikwu will on Friday meet with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa for further discussion on his allegations against Baru.