The call for the relocation of key government agencies to the Niger Delta has taken a contentious turn, as Hon. Yekini Nabena, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary and prominent APC member, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to authorize the transfer of the NNPCL. In a statement released on Wednesday, January 24, Nabena voiced his discontent over the proposed relocations, emphasizing the need for transparency in the government's decision-making process.
Nabena, known for his vocal stance within the party, questioned the motives behind the recent announcement to move portions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to Lagos State. He argued that if operational efficiency was the driving force behind these relocations, the Niger Delta region, specifically Bayelsa, Rivers, or Delta states, would serve as more suitable alternatives for agencies like NNPCL, NIMASA, and NPA.
The APC chieftain emphasized the significance of federal agencies as symbols of national unity, demanding a clear and transparent explanation from the presidency regarding the proposed relocations. Nabena expressed suspicions about President Tinubu's commitment to national unity, citing an interview from 1997 where Tinubu expressed skepticism about the concept of a unified Nigeria.
In response to Nabena's concerns, Senator Ali Ndume warned against the relocation of CBN and FAAN headquarters to Lagos, stating that northerners would not accept such a plan. The move to transfer critical government agencies to the economic hub of Lagos has triggered extensive debates, particularly among Northern elite and leaders, who view it with suspicion and caution.
The controversy surrounding the proposed relocations highlights deep-seated regional sentiments and raises questions about the government's commitment to fostering national cohesion. As discussions intensify, it remains to be seen how President Tinubu and the APC leadership will address the concerns and suspicions expressed by party members and other stakeholders.
