By Abbanobi-Eku Onyeka
The Senate on Thursday warned newly appointed Executive Directors in Nigeria’s Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Sectors to ensure transparency in the discharge of their duties.
The warning came from the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream during the screening of seven nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu last week.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), sounded the note of warning in his opening remarks at the session.
He said unwholesome practices prevalent in some government agencies, such as administrative bottlenecks, institutional inefficiencies and deliberate sabotage, must not be allowed under their watch.
“Under our watch, we will not tolerate administrative sabotage, lack of transparency, inefficiency or any conduct that undermines the effective implementation of government policies,” he said.
He charged the nominees to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability in office.
He added that their primary responsibility is to uphold the law, protect the public interest and faithfully implement the policies of the Federal Government within their mandates.
“Sabotaging public institutions and government policies is ultimately sabotaging the future and economic prosperity of Nigeria,” Sumaila warned.
He however noted that though the task ahead is challenging, patriotism, competence, integrity and unwavering dedication would help them build a petroleum sector that contributes significantly to national prosperity.
The nominees are Mr Abiodun A. Adeiji, Finance and Accounts; Mr Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, Distribution, Systems Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Health, Safety, Environment and Community; and Mr Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installation and Partnership and Transportation Infrastructure.
Others are Mrs Ogechukwu Olufunmilayo Modie, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning; Mr Said Abutalib, Corporate Services and Administration; and Mrs Jumoke Gafar, Board Secretary and Legal Adviser.
