Lawmaker distances self from call for Kyari’s sack

The member of the House of Representatives representing Ilorin West and Asa Federal Constituency in Kwara State, Tolani Shagaya, has distanced himself from a controversial publication attributed to a coalition known as “1 AGENDA.”

Shagaya made this known in a statement signed by him on Monday in Abuja.

The publication, titled “NNPCL: A Call for Caution,” listed Shagaya among 120 lawmakers purportedly supporting the statement.

Over the weekend, some lawmakers under the “1 AGENDA” issued a statement calling for the resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, and the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Ahmed Farouk.

However, in a firm rebuttal, Shagaya clarified his position, stating, “I categorically state that I am neither a member of this so-called coalition nor aware of its existence until the publication of this statement.

“I did not sign any statement, nor was I consulted or informed about it. The inclusion of my name, listed as number 62 among the supposed supporters, is both unauthorized and misleading.”

Shagaya emphasised the importance of due process and fair hearing, especially concerning matters involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

“The House of Representatives has a constitutional duty to investigate complaints and concerns before taking any stance, and I fully support this process”, he added.

Highlighting the potential for misunderstandings, Shagaya noted, “Silence on matters such as this can often be misinterpreted as concurrence, which is why I am compelled to speak out.

“I urge the general public to disregard any association of my name with the ‘1 AGENDA’ statement.”

In his statement, Shagaya also called upon “1 AGENDA” to retract the publication and issue a public apology for the unauthorised use of his name, stating, “Such actions undermine the integrity of the legislative process and mislead the public.”

Shagaya reaffirmed his commitment to his constituents and the principles of transparency, accountability, and due process in legislative activities.

As the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Basic Education & Services, he said he would continue to advocate for fairness and clarity in all governmental affairs.