OPL 245 is an oilfield in the Niger Delta. It has
about nine billion barrels of crude oil, estimated to worth half a trillion
dollars. The sale of the block, which is considered as one of the most
lucrative on the continent, has been replete with allegations and lawsuits.
The Malabu oil transaction started in 1998 when
the military administration of Sani Abacha came up with the policy of
encouraging indigenous participation in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry.
Oil blocks were allocated to indigenous companies at a
reduced signature bonus of $20 million. Signature bonus is a one-time fee for
the assignment and securing of a license, paid irrespective of economic success
for the contractor or licensee.
Malabu was allocated OPL 245 and they made a
part-payment of $2 million for the signature bonus and brought in Shell as
technical partners, but the deal was consummated in 2011 when Jonathan was
in power.
THE KEY PLAYERS
Some of the key persons involved in the
deal are Goodluck Jonathan, Sani
Abacha (who was Head of State from 1993 to 1998), Dan Etete (his minister of petroleum resources), Mohammed Abacha (son of the former Head of State), Hassan Hindu (wife of Hassan Adamu, the
Wakili Adamawa and one time Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States), Olusegun Obasanjo, Shell, Eni, Mohammed Adoke (Minister of Justice under
Jonathan), and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Along the line, some
actors were mentioned in the deal, such as Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, the
Chairman/CEO of A.A Oil Limited. But what we were not told was why and how he
got into the picture. There are many stories about his involvement in the deal,
and that is because the truth does not make news in the media. And especially
for selfish reasons, journalists don’t like stories that speak well of people.
Several reporters saw an
opportunity to tarnish his image and jumped on it, resulting in several
derogatory comments about him. Their comments are online and in the hearts of
those who read them, which is why every time they hear the name Aliyu Abubakar,
their already-tailored minds curse him and wish him all the evils known to man.
But just because some
people have the freedom to write anything they like does not mean everything
they write is true. If everything that is said about a fellow is all true, then
we do not need the media, because we would already know. We know those who are
at the forefront of this quest to tarnish his image, and we also know why. They
would give anything it takes to achieve this deeply-entrenched adventure.
It is normal for people
to believe, especially in Nigeria, that one cannot be a billonaire without
getting involved in shady deals, so it is not unusual when one is mentioned in
such stories in order to further drag them in the mud.
Several other persons
would have come out to defend themselves, but not everyone has that luxury of
time to reply every rubbish that people post online or in the papers. We know
what people are capable of doing, especially when they ask for a favour and you
turn them down. Many will go the extra mile to say trash about you. But should
you be bothered because people write unfounded stories about you? You wouldn’t
if you are a serious minded individual.
Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu is
a multi-faceted business man. He is into real estate, oil and gas,
communications and other lucrative businesses. You may not know everything he
does, but he doesnt owe anyone an explanation either. His involvement in the
Malabu scandal is only an avenue some reporters created to earn their salaries,
which they actually explored.
Just as one anonymous
fellow commented on www.stelladimokokorkus.com, “Before
you post anything here, make sure your stories are lucrative. A.A is a generous
man that has helped a lot of people. Do not focus on his shortcomings. Instead,
think of the generosity he shows to people. God bless you.”
The untold story of the Malabu Scandal is that Alhaji
Abubakar Aliyu got in there because some sycophants would do everything
possible to get back at him for depriving them a special favour they
passionately wanted. They would call him names such as rogue, diminutive, shady
property developer and fraudster to vent their unreserved fury at him. But as
things stand now, he has been vindicated, which means he is no longer at the
mercy of vindictive reporters.
But none of those discrediting rants changes the fact
that Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu has given enough back to the society. Everybody may
not have gained what they want from him, but he has given and is still giving
back to the society. His goodness has reached and will continue to extend to
those who are destined to get it. Even though some people will go any length to
blackmail those they don’t like for their personal reasons, justice will always
be served where it is appropriate, just as it has happened. So, to your tent O
Israel.
