Reps to Probe Petition Seeking Removal of NNPCL Executive
The House of Representatives has accepted a petition from Ezi Umuada Igbo, a socio-cultural group, demanding the removal of Sophia Mbakwe, Executive Vice President (Business Services) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The group alleged that Mrs Mbakwe occupies a position meant for the South East despite reportedly not being from the region.
The petition, presented during Thursday’s plenary by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), urged the lawmakers to investigate a possible breach of the Federal Character Principle in her appointment.
Addressed to the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the petition stated that appointing Mrs Mbakwe as the South East representative on NNPCL’s management team contravened constitutional provisions ensuring equitable representation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The petition read, “While we wholeheartedly appreciate His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for considering an Igbo woman worthy of inclusion in such a strategic national position, we must respectfully but firmly express our concern that the said appointee, Mrs Mbakwe, is not from the South East region and therefore cannot validly represent the zone in accordance with the Federal Character Principle enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
The Ezi Umuada Igbo Association, described as a foremost socio-cultural body of Igbo women in Nigeria and the diaspora, insisted that the South East has many qualified women capable of holding the position.
“We therefore urge the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and all relevant authorities to review this appointment and ensure that a qualified daughter of the South East—drawn from the rich pool of competent, experienced, and patriotic Igbo women across our five states—is considered for the position,” the group added.
After the petition was laid, the House resolved to refer it to the appropriate committees for further investigation and legislative action.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
