What could best be described as a show of shame and physical assault among some Nigerian lawmakers was adverted today, following a swift intervention of their leader. This ugly development cannot be unconnected with the clamor for the removal of the Petroleum Resource Minister: Dr. Rwane Lukman by lawmakers from the South – South geo-political zone of Nigeria.
Report has it that, some lawmakers from the Northern part of Nigeria reacted vehemently to the proposition of their southern colleagues for the prohibition of the Petroleum and Energy Bill; and an ensuing fight was adverted by the quick intervention of the Senate leader – David Mark. You may recall that the South – South Governors early last week rose from a meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital threatening to back out of the amnesty deal of the federal government, if some issues of concern – like the purported attempt by Dr. Lukman to move the Petroleum Technology Institute from Warri Efurun in the Delta State (Niger – Delta) to his home state – Kaduna; an idea which many Nigerians condemned in strong terms.
Early this week, again, the South – South Governors applied, chief propaganda tool – Lobbying to get lawmakers from the Niger-Delta region to revolt/stall the Petroleum and Energy bill which they considered as inimical to the resolution of the existing crisis between government and the people of the region, as well as counter-productive to the region. It might interest you to know that, this same Bill was engineered or nurtured by Dr. Rwane Lukman, who is one of the leading beneficiaries of the Petroleum resources in that region; but ever noted or notorious for making unguarded statements concerning the region and its people.
Just a few days ago, the people of Akwa Ibom State ordered the immediate removal of Dr. Lukman investment (Afren Energy Resources)presence from their area, following this same compromising stance of the minister. If there’s anything that can be inferred from the whole saga, it’s the selfish manner in which most public officers in Nigeria, put their personal interests first and far above national interests and its cascading or boomerang impact/effects which most time, is seen in clashes among innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians just like what happen at the National Assembly today.
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