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WHAT BUHARI IS BRINGING TO THE TABLE AS MINISTER OF PETROLUEM – FEMI ADESHINA
Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, was guest on Kakaaki, a program of Africa Independent Television (AIT) on Thursday, October 1.
In this interview, he talked about the much anticipated ministerial list, Buhari as the minister of petroleum and what Nigerians should expect.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
Q: First of all, let’s look at the President’s October 1 broadcast. What do you make of it?
A: We must recognise that it is a National Day broadcast, and he started by reviewing the state of the polity, particularly our march towards nationhood 55 years after flag independence. Are we a nation yet? Are we just a conglomeration of ethnic nationalities? I think on a day like this, that is the most important thing, all the others are ancillary, though important. It was an efficient broadcast, it may be short but it touched a number of crucial issues.
Q: One issue that has been generating lots of reactions is the ministerial list. The President did promise sometime in July that he was going to name his ministers in September. But what we saw was a submission of ministerial list to the National Assembly.
A: We also need to mind the process and the procedure, Our federal lawmakers would be the first people to kick if the President just reeled out the names of the Ministers and their portfolios. That would not be in order. What he does is to nominate and send to the Senate and after clearance, the Ministers begin to work. At any given time, procedure must be followed.
Q: Part of the broadcast that a lot of people would have loved to hear more from the President is the issue of national unity and inclusiveness in running the affairs of state. It appears that the President did not dwell on that and a lot of people looking at Nigeria believe that national unity and inclusiveness appear to be quite elusive. One would have expected the President to reassure the country that Nigeria stays as one and this is what I am going to do so that everyone has a sense of belonging.
A: Well, let me read this paragraph if you will permit, the President says here, “We have all the attributes of a great nation, we are not there yet because the one commodity we have been unable to exploit to the fullness is the unity of purpose .This would have enabled us to achieve not only more orderly political evolution and integration , but also, continuity and economic progress. Countries far less endowed have made greater coherence and unity of purpose”. So, he touched on what you said.
Q: Yes, he touched on it, but what I mean is that he should have dwelled on it, talking about Nigeria at 55.
A: You should also realize that he is President, and he should not be dwelling on just challenges, rather he should be working to achieve solutions , which is quite better.
Q: There are some agitations that the President seems to favour some parts of the country, so the eagerness to see who and who will make the ministerial list…
A: He also said that order is better than speed. What Nigerians want in these appointments appears to be speed, so that they can calculate how many are from the North, South, East and West, and all that. But we will get there, that is what the President is saying.
Q: The President wants to manage the country’s resources and he didn’t make any statement about the economy or the real sector, why is this so?
A: I think we are forgetting that it is a National Day broadcast. It is about Nigeria, our people, the way we have lived together. What are the challenges and how are the challenges being surmounted? All those other things cannot necessarily come into a National Day broadcast, that is what I feel.
Q: How long shall Nigerians wait for the President to say something on the economic direction?
A: The economic direction is not an opinion of one man but an aggregation of what a team feels and what they have agreed upon. That team is unfolding, we have a list of proposed ministers, that list has not been unfolded and when they are approved with their portfolios , they are the ones that will articulate the economic direction. What if the President as one man has said ,this is the direction and the team comes and feels different?
Q: Not as one man, because he has said that he has been in consultation with the Vice President and some other individual concerning solutions to our problems . Based on that statement, Nigerians are expecting that …
A: That would still not amount to an economic direction.
Q: Let us talk about some things. It was reported that the President says that his relationship with the Senate president would depend on the outcome of the Code of Conduct trial. Could you confirm that ?
A: I was at a session in New York when the President was granting that interview to Sahara TV and he said the relationship between them is cordial. The interviewer asked if they communicate and he said , yes, many times. There were some appointments that he couldn’t have made without writing the senate president. He was further asked what would be the relationship in the light of the code of conduct tribunal trial that is going on, and he said, “Yes, I have to wait for that process to end and that would determine the relationship”, which I think is just right.
Q: Ok, I think that you need to break it down further, when he said that he needs to wait for the process before the relationship becomes cordial. Does it mean, it is not cordial right now?
A: There is separation of powers between the executive and legislature…
Q: The President and Senate president are from the same party and they need to have a very cordial working relationship for the President to succeed.
A: Is there an indication that the relationship is not cordial?
Q: From the statement of the President that he is awaiting the outcome of the trial, it has pitched him on a particular level… it seems the President is saying that the senate President should not come close to me pending when the trial is over, to know whether you are clean enough or not.
A: What the president meant was that he was not going to interfere in any way and the process must play out. He was emphatic about that and of course if the process finishes, whichever way it goes, it determines the relationship between the two individuals. For a government that pays high premium on transparency and accountability, it is very important that whoever is in a top decision must be seen to be accountable to the people.
Q: One would also ask if the President is conscious of the assumption of innocence until proven guilty.
A: In all he has said, there is nowhere that assumption has been breached, No way and nowhere that it has been breached. He says that the Senate president is innocent for now and when the process ends, they continue the relationship.
Q: Ok now, let’s look at the ministerial list that was sent (September 30). We understand from what is in the news that just a few names were sent to the Senate, can you confirm this? And when would the rest be sent?
A: The President himself was clear about that, he said the first batch but nobody knows how many is in the batch
Q: I am sure that you know…
A: laughs… No…No…, you know, you are a news person and you can’t depend on everything you hear. It has been addressed to the Senate president, the list is there, he will unfold it officially. Nobody can say precisely how many. You said a few, you can’t be sure because the Senate president has not unfolded it.
Q: How many people are in the batch?
A: Well, it depends on the President. There are certain prerogatives that the President has. Ministers are one of them. He has said that this is the first batch, I think that we should wait and see who are those in the first batch and after that we know how many remains, because the constitution already states that there must be a minister in each of the states. We have 36 states in the country, so when the list is unfolded, we know how many remains.
Q: You have just returned from the United Nations General Assembly in New York, we heard that a lot of things happened there, like missing meetings that the President was supposed to attend.
A: Now, let me talk about the supposedly missed meeting. The truth is that, you don’t miss meetings that you are not scheduled to attend, That is just the truth. If you are not scheduled for a meeting, can you miss it? No.
Q: Was Nigeria not scheduled for the meeting?
A: No, Nigeria was not scheduled to be at that meeting, that is the truth.
Q: O’Brien of the UN was reported as saying that he was quite disappointed that Nigeria was not at that meeting.
A: We have a Permanent representative at the UN, Prof Joy Ogwu. The invitations Nigeria received are seven pages in all. I have them. You won’t see that meeting in any of the invitations that we got. Nigeria was not invited to that meeting and not scheduled to be there. With the passion that our President has on the Boko Haram, do you think that he will receive an invitation to a meeting that will discuss that issue and he will not be there? The truth is that Nigeria was not invited. We have said it and even the President has said in an interview before leaving New York and I guess that should rest the matter. What is happening, as far as I am concerned is storm in a teacup. A lot of people just want to find faults unnecessarily. Nigeria was not invited to that meeting, if she had been invited , she would have been there.
*Secondly, it was a meeting on Boko Haram and insurgency, there were two high levels meetings within the General Assembly days and Nigeria was at those meetings. It simply shows that she was not invited to the earlier one. Let me make this statement: it’s like Nigerians have been lied to so much that they find it difficult to now believe the truth. And the truth is that Nigeria was not invited to that meeting.
Q: Even if the President was not invited , was the Nigerian delegation aware of that meeting?
A: How could the Nigerian delegation be aware, when it was not scheduled? I have told you that every meeting that Nigeria was scheduled to attend, I have the list here and that meeting was not there. Nigeria was not scheduled for the meeting.
Q: What would have informed the President’s desire to want to become the Minister of Petroleum, when he is talking about reforming the NNPC, making it transparent? Does he not trust anyone or believe that there are capable people who can be trusted to manage this ministry properly?
A: I think the question, we will ask ourselves is: What would the President be bringing to the table, if he is going to supervise the petroleum ministry? He has been Minister of Petroleum for 31/2 years , that is a lot of experience. Those were years that things were done fairly properly in this country.
Q: A lot of people will say that things have changed over the years and lots of structures have also changed and those days may have gone….
A: But there are things that never change in life. These include integrity, transparency, truth and responsibility. Those things never change and those are the things the President would bring to bear.
Q: In the newspaper review this morning, it was reported that 21 names made the ministerial list. Now, based on the constitution, a Minister must be selected from every state. So, if the President wants to supervise the ministry of petroleum resources, how will this work out eventually? Does this mean that a particular state will have 2 slots?
A: The constitutional requirement you quoted talks about the minimum , it states that there must be 36 number of ministers, at least one from each state. We have lived in this country where we had 46, 48 ministers and all that. That already shows you that 36 is the minimum requirement but this administration is one that wants to cut cost. We don’t expect that it would have a ballooned number of ministers.
Q: What would you say to Nigerians out there, who think that perhaps if some institutions are working, talking of EFCC, ICPC and some other regulatory and enforcement agencies, we won’t be talking about recycling of ministers or minister of petroleum in the person of President Muhammadu Buhari.
A: What is wrong with recycling if that person has something he is bringing to the table? Recycling would be wrong if that person is adding no value. But if he is adding value, what is wrong with recycling? I tell you that this is one appointment, if you can call it so, that will bring a lot of value to that ministry.
Q: You said earlier that the President is bringing in honour, integrity, truth all those virtues into the ministry’s package. And the President has taken over 3 months to appoint ministers. I wonder, has he not found a Nigerian with all these qualities to run that office? We have seen in this country, where a former president oversaw this sector and there was not much difference.
A: Don’t forget that the buck stops at the President’s table. At the end of his administration, it is going to be called the Buhari administration and not the name of any Minister. Therefore, it is very important that what the President feels would make a difference in the country is what he does. At the end of the day, that administration would be rated with his name and not any other name.
Q: The last words from you Mr. Adesina before you go
A: Well, I will just like to say that Nigerians trusted this President, they elected him into office, let them continue to maintain that trust, and at the end of the day, they will not be disappointed.
The Youth Forum of Ojomu Royal Family of Ajiran Town in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, has written a petition against the Commissioner of Police in the state, Moshood Jimoh, over the accusations levelled against Hammed Tajudeen.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the counsel to the Forum, (Adedotun Ajulo, Esq.), said the Lagos State Police Command cannot embark on a media trial in an alleged murder case.
The Forum said the police accused Tajudeen of sponsoring multiple murders without investigation. It stated that at no time was Tajudeen invited by the police for questioning.
It said: “At no time did he refuse or fail to honour any police invitation. At no time was any warrant of arrest issued against him by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“At no time was any judicial authorisation or order obtained to declare him wanted. Despite these concerns, on 20 February 2026, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, convened a press briefing during which the full image of Alhaji Hammed Tajudeen was displayed and he was publicly accused of sponsoring multiple murders.
“This unilateral and sensational declaration exposed him to public odium, ridicule, and severe reputational harm, all without the benefit of due process or the basic courtesy of an invitation for questioning.
“In the aftermath of the press briefing, hoodlums allegedly sponsored by the opposing parties seized upon the heightened tension to vandalize and destroy properties and assets belonging to Alhaji Hammed Tajudeen, as well as those of other identifiable members of the youth wing who are perceived to be aligned with him.
“These coordinated attacks further underscore the dangerous consequences of deploying the machinery of law enforcement in a manner that inflames communal hostilities rather than preserving public order.
“Subsequently, there has been an overwhelming and intimidating presence of both military personnel and policemen within the community, a development that has served only to further harass, threaten, and denigrate our Clients.
“Meanwhile, the opposing parties continue to enjoy open protection, enabling them to persist in the unchecked dissipation of the community’s common patrimony without resistance or accountability.
“The law is settled. The Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, particularly Section 41, regulates the circumstances under which a citizen may be declared wanted.
“These conditions were not met in this case. Furthermore, the courts have held that the publication of a wanted notice without lawful authority is unconstitutional, illegal, and liable to be set aside.
“We emphasise that our clients are not opposed to lawful investigation. They have consistently cooperated with law enforcement agencies in the past and were previously exonerated after investigations.
“What they strongly oppose is indictment without investigation, trial by media, intimidation, and the use of police machinery to settle private disputes or advance personal interests.
“The issues concerning the Ojomu Royal Family long predate the tenure of the current Commissioner of Police, and it is noteworthy that his predecessors never conducted themselves in a manner suggestive of bias, compromise, or improper influence arising from any promise of advantage or lucre, whether direct or implied.
“Consequently, a formal petition has been submitted against the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Lagos State Police Command.
“Among the reliefs sought are the constitution of a special, neutral, and professionally competent investigative team to review the allegations; the prosecution of any persons found to have made false, malicious, or fabricated claims; and a public retraction of the unlawful declaration portraying Alhaji Hammed Tajudeen as a murderer.
“Our Client reiterates his readiness to make himself available for investigation, provided such inquiry is conducted without bias, compromise, or the procedural irregularities presently characterizing the handling of this matter and definitely not by Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
“We trust that the appropriate authorities will urgently intervene to restore confidence in due process, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that policing in Lagos State remains professional, impartial, and accountable.
“More troubling is the fact that such a pronouncement was made in the absence of any invitation, interrogation, or opportunity afforded to Tajudeen to respond to the allegations an omission that gravely offends the tenets of fairness, due process, and responsible policing.
“Furthermore, the conduct of the Commissioner raises serious questions as to whether the machinery of the state is being deployed to settle personal or communal scores rather than to uphold law and order.
“In a democratic society governed by the rule of law, no public officer is permitted to wield statutory powers in a manner that constitutes a media trial or exposes citizens to unwarranted public opprobrium.
“It is against this backdrop that we consider it imperative to address the public and set the records straight, ensuring that the rights and dignity of all parties are preserved while lawful processes are allowed to run their full and proper course.”
The Defence team representing the former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Dr. Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina, has challenged the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to continue proceedings in Charge No. FCT/HC/CR/24/2019, describing the ongoing prosecution as an abuse of court process.
This follows the filing of a Notice of Preliminary Objection by Counsel to the 1st Defendant, Mr. Emmanuel Umahi Ekwe, supported by an Affidavit and Written Address, urging the Court to decline jurisdiction and quash the charge against the 1st Defendant.
According to the processes filed before the Court, the Defence contends that the present charge arises from the same operational period and transactions relating to pension funds for which the 1st Defendant had previously been tried, convicted, and has served his custodial sentence pursuant to Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/258/2019 before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The Defence maintains that the continuation of the present proceedings after prior conviction and service of sentence in respect of the same underlying transactions amounts to multiple prosecutions arising from the same factual foundation and constitutes an abuse of court process.
In the Written Address filed in support of the objection, Counsel argued that where a proceeding constitutes an abuse of court process, the Court is divested of the jurisdiction to continue with such proceedings, and that the present charge ought to be quashed in its entirety.
The Defence further submitted that the Preliminary Objection raises a fundamental threshold issue as to the competence of the charge before the Court and urged the Court to determine same before taking any further steps in the proceedings so as to avoid subjecting the Defendant to multiple trials in respect of the same underlying transactions.
The Preliminary Objection filed by Counsel to the 1st Defendant reads in part: “An Order of this Honourable Court quashing Charge No. FCT/HC/CR/24/2019 for want of jurisdiction, the same constituting an abuse of court process having arisen from the same set of facts and transactions in respect of which the 1st Defendant had previously been tried, convicted and has served his custodial sentence.”
It further states that: “The continuation of the present charge against the 1st Defendant after prior conviction and service of sentence in respect of the same underlying transactions amounts to multiple prosecutions arising from the same factual foundation and renders the present proceedings incompetent.”
Reacting to recent media reports alleging that the 1st Defendant was evading court proceedings, Counsel to the 1st Defendant and Senior Special Assistant on Media and Protocols to Dr. Maina, Barr. Emmanuel Umahi Ekwe, described the publications as misleading and malicious, insisting that the matter currently being circulated in the media is the same case originally filed in 2019 which had already been heard and disposed of.
He further stated that the recent filing by another prosecuting counsel amounts to a duplication of a matter already adjudicated upon, which constitutes double jeopardy and an abuse of court process.
Barr. Ekwe also maintained that there was no refusal on the part of the 1st Defendant to attend court proceedings, stating that Dr. Maina is presently hospitalised — a fact known to the court — and for which medical documentation had been duly presented.
He added that the renewed proceedings coincided with recent public demands for accountability in respect of approximately ₦1.3 trillion in cash and about 227 properties allegedly recovered during pension reform recovery operations carried out during Dr. Maina’s tenure, and called on the Federal Government and relevant oversight institutions to conduct an independent forensic audit of all assets and funds recovered under the pension reform investigations.
The case has been adjourned to 26th February 2026 for continuation of trial-within-trial.
Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration
…Calls for Accountability in Nigeria’s Grassroots Governance
LAGOS, Nigeria — A civil society coalition known as Journalists for Good Governance(JGG) has intensified public debate on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s local government system, urging media professionals, civil society actors, and citizens to hold grassroots leaders accountable.
Speaking an event in Lagos recently, the acting chairman of the society, Comrade Bunmi Obarotimi said that despite reforms such as the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), systemic challenges continues to hinder effective service delivery and responsible stewardship of public funds.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people — yet too often they remain the least transparent. Without civic oversight and vibrant media, promises of autonomy ring hollow.” the acting chairman said.
The Journalist for Good Governance emphasised crucial roles that journalists can play in uncovering discrepancies in council spending, flagging poor service delivery, and educating citizens on their rights. Their call comes amid wider efforts by media and civic organisations to bridge accountability gaps. The civil society initiatives had previously launched monitoring campaigns to track local government expenditures and have been quietly advocating for transparency in how public money is deployed.
The leaders of the Journalists for Good Governance (JGG) highlighted the importance of physical assessment and citizens engagement on projects to boost people’s confidence, urging local councils to adopt open data platforms and proactive information dissemination in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Experts say the majority of LGAs currently lack operational websites or digital portals, further limiting public scrutiny.
The Journalists for Good Governance initiative aligns with sustained advocacy by civil society groups and governance experts calling for a collective approach to strengthening democratic accountability, and has decided to engage in critical and holistic assessments of how Local Governments is being run and the impact and quality of projects they embark-on and to address deficits in transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, some state governments have signalled support for improved community engagement. In Lagos State, authorities reiterated a commitment to enhancing community media platforms as vehicles for civic participation and accountability at the grassroots level.
The renewed spotlight on local government administration has reignited public debate over fiscal responsibility and priorities. Controversies such as the widely criticised Adamawa council chairmen’s wives trip to Istanbul — which drew public outrage for perceived misuse of public funds — underscore why watchdog groups say stronger oversight mechanisms are urgently needed at the grassroots.
Citizens and activists have welcomed the journalists’ initiative, calling for sustained media engagement that goes beyond headlines to influence policy and accountability reform.
The civic rights advocates note that real change will require robust legal frameworks, a free press, and empowered communities equipped to demand transparency at every level of governance.
As Journalists for Good Governance mobilises its members, the coming months are likely to see heightened media attention on grassroots administration — from council budgets and service delivery to the enforcement of public information laws and digital transparency initiatives.
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