The House of Representatives on Thursday, received a petition from an Igbo socio-cultural group, Ezi Umuada Igbo, calling for the removal of Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe, Executive Vice President (Business Services) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, over an alleged violation of the federal character principle.

The petition, presented during plenary by the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikenga Ugochinyere, alleged that Mbakwe, though occupying a position designated for the South-East geopolitical zone in the NNPCL?s top management structure, is not an indigene of the region.

Addressed to the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, the petition urged the legislature to investigate the circumstances surrounding her appointment and ensure strict compliance with Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates equitable distribution of federal positions among Nigeria?s six geopolitical zones.

In the petition titled ?Appointment of Mrs Sophia Mbakwe as South-East Representative in NNPCL Management Team,? the group expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for recognising an Igbo woman for such a strategic national role.

However, it argued that the appointment undermines the spirit of fairness and regional representation.

?While we deeply appreciate His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for finding an Igbo woman worthy of appointment into such a sensitive and strategic national office, we are, however, compelled to express our reservation that Mrs. Mbakwe is not from the South-East region and therefore cannot legitimately serve as the region?s representative in compliance with the federal character principle,? the group stated.

The petition described the appointment as ?A blatant breach of constitutional provisions guaranteeing balanced representation in federal appointments? and appealed for a review to ensure that the position is filled by a deserving woman of South-East origin.

The group added, ?The South-East has an abundance of competent, qualified, and patriotic women who can effectively occupy the position and represent the region?s interests in the NNPCL management team.?

The petition has since been referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions for legislative consideration.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of growing public scrutiny over compliance with the federal character principle in top federal appointments.

The federal character policy, introduced to promote equity and national integration, seeks to ensure that all regions of the country are fairly represented in government institutions and agencies.

In recent years, concerns have been raised by various groups alleging lopsided appointments in key federal establishments, including the oil and gas sector.

The NNPCL, now operating as a limited liability company following the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, maintains a top management structure reflecting Nigeria?s six geopolitical zones?a framework designed to foster inclusivity and national balance.

The House Committee on Public Petitions is expected to commence hearings on the matter in the coming weeks (The PUNCH)

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