Controversial Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has reportedly hired some power hawks to lobby President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari to retain her portfolio after he takes power next May 29.

Sources close to APC hierachy reveal that her lobbyists, among whom is a former head of state, have been canvassing the argument with emphasis, that Alison-Madueke should be allowed to complete her term as president of the oil producers’ cartel; the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

At a time of global economic uncertainty amid dwindling oil prices, they argue, it certainly will not be in the national interest to ditch her, and rob Nigeria of the OPEC presidency and the power of heading the most powerful decision-making body in the political economy of oil matters.General Buhari has however rebuffed the pressure. The President elect is of the strong view that the OPEC presidency is not beneficial to ordinary Nigerians who voted massively for change. The oil sector like the whole nation is mired in serial financial scams under the watch of Diezani as the petroleum minister.