RMAFC commissioner threatens legal action over ‘false’ oil wells ceding report

A Federal Commissioner of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) representing Delta State, Olorogun Aruviere Martin Egharhevwa, has issued a strongly worded rebuttal to an online publication alleging his involvement in a plot to cede or trade off oil and gas wells belonging to the state, describing the report as “malicious, false and defamatory.”

In a press statement dated March 25, 2026, Egharhevwa dismissed the story published by an online platform as “grossly incompetent,” accusing its authors of fabricating claims about boundary adjustments and oil well reallocations and even misspelling his name throughout the article.

He stated categorically that no such deal exists and insisted that the scenario presented by the publication is “institutionally impossible” at this stage.

No final decision by RMAFC

The commissioner explained that the commission has not taken any final decision regarding disputed oil wells between states, noting that the matter remains at a draft stage undergoing technical review by relevant federal agencies.

According to him, inputs are still being sought from statutory bodies, after which RMAFC’s technical and legal committees would present recommendations to the commission’s plenary — the only body empowered to adopt an official position.

He added that any adopted position would still require transmission to the President and the Attorney-General of the Federation for action in line with constitutional provisions.

“In simple terms, there is currently no concluded RMAFC position, no final recommendation, and therefore nothing that any commissioner could possibly sell, cede or trade off,” he said.

Allegation described as propaganda

Egharhevwa accused the publishers of engaging in reckless misinformation designed to provoke political mistrust, characterising the report as a “vacuous and childish hatchet job” built on anonymous claims and factual errors.

He suggested the story may be part of a coordinated attempt by unnamed actors to discredit him and create tension over resource control issues.

Reaffirms loyalty to Delta State

Reaffirming his commitment to both Nigeria and Delta State, the commissioner said he remains bound by his oath of office to uphold the Constitution and protect the interests of his state.

He described his role as RMAFC commissioner as “the honour of my life,” stressing that he would never participate in any scheme detrimental to Delta State or any part of the country.

Demands apology, threatens lawsuit

Egharhevwa demanded the immediate removal of the article, a full and unreserved public apology with equal prominence, and warned that failure to comply would trigger legal action against the authors, publisher and platform.

He disclosed that his legal team has already been briefed to pursue civil — and where applicable criminal — proceedings to defend his reputation and office.

“Truth, process and the Constitution are on my side,” he declared, adding that no amount of propaganda would alter the facts.