Osoba Worried about Corruption in Oil Sector, Blasts Obasanjo on Inside Sources

Aremo Segun Osoba, veteran journalist and former Governor of Ogun State, emphasized the need for decisive government action to tackle corruption and security challenges in Nigeria’s oil sector. Speaking on Channels TV’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Friday, Osoba reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999 and the critical issues that need addressing to […]

Aremo Segun Osoba, veteran journalist and former Governor of Ogun State, emphasized the need for decisive government action to tackle corruption and security challenges in Nigeria’s oil sector.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Friday, Osoba reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999 and the critical issues that need addressing to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

Osoba noted that while the aspirations of Nigerians have not been fully realized, a significant achievement is the nation’s firm embrace of democratic governance. “The expectations of Nigerians have not been totally met over the years. But the great thing is that Nigerians have come to embrace democracy and democratic governance. That is the biggest gain that we have had since 1999,” he said.

Comparing the democratic era to military rule, he remarked, “Nigeria has been very stable. There is stability, freedom of expression, and freedom to do what the law allows you to do, unlike in the military era where dictatorship was the norm.”

This shift, he believes, marks a significant evolution in Nigeria’s political landscape, with the populace resolutely opposing any return to dictatorship.

Osoba praised Nigerians for their resilience and tolerance in the face of economic and social hardships. “The Nigerian people have been tolerant because they’ve always tried to adjust to every situation,” he said.

Reflecting on the challenges posed by the currency swap and fuel shortages, he expressed empathy for the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

“It pains me when I look back and see how Nigerians were climbing the walls of banks just to access their own hard-earned money. It was not easy when there was a currency swap and currency change. When I see what Nigerians went through at that time, from shortage of fuel, and some people sleeping overnight at petrol stations, I praise Nigerians for their tolerance.”

He said in the First and Second Republics, the party was supreme.

“Lately, I have not been happy with the way parties are run. Unfortunately, this started during the regime of President [Olusegun] Obasanjo when, in his own words, he introduced the garrison command into Nigerian politics. And then created garrison commanders in Ibadan who were the lords where about 6 legislators would impeach a governor. Joshua Dariye in Plateau state where the democratic norms was bastardised, legislators were taken by EFCC and thoroughly intimidated.”

Discussing the government’s handling of the fallout from fuel subsidy removal, Osoba stressed the urgent need to address corruption and security issues in the oil and gas sector.

“The first approach the government should use is to tackle the issue of corruption. It is endemic within the oil and gas sector,” he asserted.

Highlighting the severe impact of pipeline vandalism and oil theft on national revenue, he called for robust security measures. “The pipeline problem, where a lot of Nigerian production is being stolen to the detriment of revenue to government, these are twin issues that the government must work upon.”

Osoba also advocated for a compassionate approach towards the Niger-Delta region, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding and support. “There must be understanding with the people of Niger-Delta. We have to show sympathy to them. They are the ones who are producing this oil and are the ones facing the environmental hazards and problems of production,” he stated.

He urged the government to forge a reasonable understanding with the Niger-Delta communities to ensure a harmonious relationship and sustainable development.

Laolu Akande, the TV host, seasoned journalist, and former presidential spokesperson, also made similar assertions on Channels TV’s “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande”, during the MY TAKE segment of the talk show.

He asked for urgent action against corruption within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Akande stressed the need of President Tinubu applying the same rigorous scrutiny to the NNPC as he does to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), particularly when it comes to allocating domestic crude to local refineries.

Addressing the pervasive corruption in the oil sector, Osoba called for relentless efforts by the government. “The corruption in the oil sector is so high. The government must do everything to fight this corruption,” he said. He emphasized that tackling these issues is crucial for the government to fulfil its promises and meet the expectations of Nigerians.q