AGF Fagbemi Dismisses Atiku's Claims on OPL 245 Dispute

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, rejected claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding the resolution of the OPL 245 dispute, describing them as self-serving and misrepresentative of the current administration's achievements. Atiku had criticized the federal government, asserting that the resolution was misleading and premature, and indicated that fresh legal actions had been initiated by Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd.

Fagbemi clarified that the matter is still active in the Supreme Court and the Federal High Court, raising concerns about the exclusion of key stakeholders in the negotiation process. He noted that the OPL 245 oil block, awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd in April 1998 and later revoked in 2001, has been embroiled in legal disputes for decades.

Fagbemi highlighted that the ongoing legal proceedings could expose Nigeria to potential liabilities exceeding $2 billion. He urged Nigerians to reject attempts to frustrate the resolution of the dispute, emphasizing the importance of national interest.