Pinheiro Supports Tinubu's Oil Revenue Executive Order

Kemi Pinheiro, a senior advocate in Nigeria, defended President Bola Tinubu's executive order that halts revenue deductions by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company. Pinheiro's statement, made available to Punch on Tuesday, argues that the order is in accordance with Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the President to modify existing laws to conform to constitutional provisions.

He emphasized that while executive orders cannot override acts of Parliament, they are binding and carry the force of law for the implementation of policies. The controversy arises amid accusations from the Senior Staff Association of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, which claims that Tinubu's actions violate the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by stopping revenue deductions.

Bayo Onanuga, a special adviser to the President, criticized the misinterpretation of constitutional hierarchy regarding the PIA and the executive order, asserting that the President's actions are not superior to the Constitution.