Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila of Kano South voiced his dissent on Tuesday over the premature removal of Mansur Kuliya, the Executive Director of the Midstream, Downstream, Gas Infrastructure Fund. Kuliya, appointed to the position in 2022 for a five-year term, was dismissed, prompting Kawu to denounce the action as illegal.
The protest unfolded in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to the Senate seeking confirmation for Oluwole Adamu as the new Executive Director of the agency. The request letter was presented during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who promptly assigned the Committees on Gas and Petroleum Downstream to screen the nominee and submit their report within one week.
Kawu contested the removal, stating, “Somebody from my constituency was appointed Executive Director, and the appointment is for a term of five years in accordance with the provision of section 34 (2), 5 and section 36 (1) of the Petroleum Industry Act.” He emphasized the lack of due process in Kuliya’s removal, pointing out that no official communication or disengagement letter was provided, and stressed the need to adhere to established laws and constitutional provisions.
Akpabio acknowledged Kawu’s concerns and urged the committees to investigate the claims, recommending further legislative action based on their findings. “The two Committees on Gas and Downstream, when you are deliberating, please take cognisance of his point of order,” Akpabio directed.
