Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has said the letter by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu to President Muhammadu Buhari is an indication that there is a “circle of power within the President’s government”.The Minister, in the letter had accused the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr . Maikanti Baru of insubordination and humiliation.

Kachikwu had also expressed disappointment at the fact that he had no express access to the president.

But speaking on Channels Television, on Wednesday, Sani said Kachikwu’s letter showed that there was a system disconnect in the government circle.

According to the lawmaker, the letter had shown that there was a government within Buhari’s government.

Sani said, “The content of that letter and the allegations raised also raise a number of issues, not only about the NNPC but about the whole structure of governance that exists today.

“If a minister of state can outright say it’s been difficult for him to access channels through which he can present his issues, I think there is a system disconnect there.

“And it is simply giving credence to the fact there exists a government within the government. There are individuals that have formed a shield, a cycle. And I think the issue that it raised in every possible way, is pointing to the fact that there is a cycle of powers within powers itself.”

Clarifying his statement, the lawmaker said the “government within the government” he referred has nothing to do with the kitchen cabinet.

“This is about some persons who have surrounded the president and are exercising powers to themselves and to their advantage and also manipulating power for their own personal interest,” he added.

However, Sani said the President might not be aware of the issues raised in the letter.

“I am of the firm belief that if he is aware of this, he would have taken action.

“And if he is not aware of this and this has been brought to the public fore, then he can now take action on it. But if he says he will not take an action on this issue, then it will certainly stain the integrity of the administration,” he said.

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