The petition was presented by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), during plenary. It calls for an investigation into the alleged breach of the Federal Character Principle, which mandates equitable representation across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the petition expressed concern that Mbakwe’s appointment as the South East representative on NNPCL’s management team may contravene constitutional provisions. The group stated:
“While we appreciate His Excellency, the President, for considering an Igbo woman worthy of a strategic national position, we must respectfully express our concern that Mrs. Mbakwe is not from the South East and therefore cannot validly represent the zone in accordance with Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
Described as a leading socio-cultural organisation of Igbo women in Nigeria and the diaspora, Ezi Umuada Igbo argued that the South East has many qualified women capable of holding the role. The group urged the Federal Government, National Assembly, and relevant authorities to review the appointment and ensure a competent woman from the region fills the position.
Following the presentation, the House resolved to forward the petition to the appropriate committees for consideration and to take any necessary legislative action.
