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El-Rufai Responds to Alleged ‘Yorubacentric Takeover’ of NNPC Amid Kyari’s Planned Replacement
El-Rufai addresses claims of a ‘Yorubacentric takeover’ at NNPC following reports of plans to replace Mele Kyari as the corporation’s head.
Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has addressed claims that President Bola Tinubu is showing favoritism towards Yoruba individuals in appointing key positions within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
In an opinion piece titled “Tinubu’s Buharization of the NNPC,” Farooq Kperogi, a journalism professor at Kennesaw State University in the United States, brought forth these allegations.
An article published in the Nigerian Tribune column “Notes from Atlanta” stated that a Yoruba candidate is being considered as a potential replacement for Mele Kyari, the current Group Managing Director of NNPC, whose term concludes early next year.
Kperogi claimed that President Tinubu’s strategy reflects the approach of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was known for appointing northerners to prominent positions within the security sector.
However, El-Rufai responded by stressing the significance of inclusive governance and warning against continuing divisive practices.
On Saturday, El-Rufai shared the article on his verified Facebook page and wrote: “DECEMBER MESSAGE: Two wrongs do not make a right. Sensible inclusion always outweighs arrogant exclusion!”
According to PlatinumPost, Kperogi mentioned in the article that he hadn’t been closely following the internal affairs at NNPC. However, an acquaintance informed him that Yoruba individuals currently hold significant positions within the organization and that someone (whose name is withheld) is ‘being considered as GMD after Mele Kyari’s term concludes’ early next year.
“I haven’t personally verified this claim, but considering the source is well-connected within influential circles, it’s advisable not to dismiss it outright.”
He pointed out that Tinubu, originating from the Southwest, possesses the role of petroleum minister. Additionally, Chief Pius Akinyelure serves as Chairman of NNPC’s Non-Executive Board and is also Yoruba. Meanwhile, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri practices his duties as Minister of State for Petroleum representing the South-South region.
Additionally, Kperogi’s source pointed out that Seyi Omotowa has taken over from Bala Wunti as the head of NNPC’s Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS). Likewise, Gbenga Komolafe, who is also Yoruba, holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Kperogi quoted his acquaintance, saying, “Having a Yoruba man as the GMD, another as the Chairman, and yet another as the regulator represents extreme lopsidedness.”
Nonetheless, Kperogi admitted that a more thorough examination might uncover a more balanced situation. He highlighted that four out of the twelve members on the NNPC’s non-executive board are northerners, including Kyari. Additionally, the senior management team comprises three individuals from northern regions.
Kperogi concluded, “Based on these metrics, one could argue that there is a semblance of balance.”