Ethnic groups reject Buhari's role as petroleum minister

Abuja - Two ethnic groups in the Niger-Delta have kicked against the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to assume the office of Minister of Petroleum, Vanguard reports. Ijaw People Development Initiative (IPDI) and National Association of Izon Ebe Students on Wednesday said it was unconstitutional for President Muhammadu Buhari to assume the office of Minister of Petroleum. The groups in a joint statement, said, “By virtue of Section 138 of the Nigeria Constitution of 1999 as amended, the president shall not during the tenure of his office hold any other executive or paid emolument in any capacity whatsoever.” Also read: Buhari to oversee petroleum ministry for 18 months “This provision is indisputably clear , Buhari is taking us back to the days of the military rule, obviously he lacks the power to assume the position of petroleum minister as serving president,” they asserted. Their words, “It is an act of lawlessness and the constitution prohibits a public officer assuming two political offices and earning double salaries, the president inclusive.” They stated, “The president should resign as president and subject himself to screening by the Senate if he wants to be petroleum minister.” Read more at Vanguard