- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Federal Government of misleading the public regarding the “final resolution” of the long-standing OPL 245 dispute.
- Atiku pointed to a fresh pre-action notice by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited and ongoing cases at the Supreme Court as evidence that the matter remains legally active.
- The statement criticizes the exclusion of major stakeholders from negotiations, describing the government’s approach as a preference for “optics over substance.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has fired a sharp critique at the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, dismissing official claims that the OPL 245 oil block controversy has been conclusively settled.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement released Sunday, March 22, 2026, by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku characterized the reported “Resolution Agreement” as a reckless move that ignores subsisting judicial processes.
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Atiku highlighted that Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, a primary stakeholder in the oil block, has filed a pre-action notice through its counsel, R.O. Atabo (SAN).
This notice directly challenges the stance of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, who had previously indicated the dispute was over.
Atiku argued that any settlement reached without the involvement of principal stakeholders like Malabu raises “fundamental questions about the legality, transparency, and integrity” of the deal.
The former Vice President expanded his criticism beyond the oil sector, labeling the OPL 245 saga as emblematic of a broader “governance crisis.” He accused the current administration of treating due process as optional and weaponizing institutions to silence dissent.
“This is not reform. This is misgovernance dressed in the language of reform,” the statement read, adding that the administration is more focused on manufacturing political victories than addressing the nation’s core issues.
Atiku also used the platform to address the general state of the country, noting that despite government claims of increased revenue, Nigerians are facing persistent banditry, kidnappings, and insurgencies that prevent farmers from working and citizens from traveling.
He concluded by warning that “no amount of propaganda can substitute for due process,” asserting that the Nigerian people are watching the unfolding saga closely as a test of the administration’s respect for the rule of law.
