Nigeria’s junior petroleum minister, Heineken Lokpobiri, launched a scathing attack on media outlets for revealing former Lagos State Governor Chief Bola Tinubu’s involvement in the controversial Shell-Eni deal concerning the OPL 245 oilfield.
Despite facing criticism, Lokpobiri staunchly defended the decision, dismissing the exposés as unpatriotic.
The uproar ensued following The Gazette’s investigative report, which shed light on He’s pivotal role in facilitating the return of the lucrative oil block to European giants Shell and Eni. This revelation came on the heels of Tinubu’s previous engagement in securing onshore assets for Oando Plc, a company associated with his family.
He’s family ties evidently influenced Nigeria’s stance on civil lawsuits against Shell and Eni over a contentious 2011 settlement. Lokpobiri disclosed that efforts to resolve the matter were primarily driven by Tinubu.
“We must remain patriotic in our statements,” Lokpobiri emphasized, rallying support for the administration’s actions despite mounting public outcry. However, he conspicuously omitted any mention of Eni’s transfer of Nigerian assets to Oando, as well as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s initial objections to the arrangement.
Critics argue that Tinubu’s involvement undermines anti-corruption efforts and tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation.
Despite Lokpobiri’s assertion of being blindsided by the revelations, The Gazette refuted his claim, citing attempts to contact him for comment prior to publication.