ABUJA/Nigeria: The Coalition of Niger Delta People for Development (CONFODEV) has condemned recent attacks on the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, describing the allegations against him as politically motivated and baseless.
In a press statement issued in Asaba on Thursday and signed by its Director General, Comrade Iteveh Nurudeen Ekpokpobe, the coalition, which comprises several pan-Niger Delta groups, also passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NNPCL boss for what it described as their commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s oil sector and ensuring fairness in the Niger Delta.
The coalition faulted youth groups that recently accused Ojulari of corruption and marginalization, insisting that such claims were the handiwork of those fighting against reforms. “These allegations are baseless, politically motivated, and the handiwork of enemies of development. They represent nothing more than corruption fighting back against reform,” the statement said.
CONFODEV noted that in less than four months in office, Ojulari had introduced far-reaching initiatives that boosted crude oil production, revitalized critical infrastructure, and extended empowerment projects to host communities in the Niger Delta. The group argued that his efforts to end nepotism and monopoly in the awarding of contracts had unsettled vested interests who had long thrived on injustice.
“Real peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice and fair play. Mr. Ojulari represents that balance, and it is imperative that patriotic Nigerians rise to support him,” the coalition stated.
The group further condemned the calls for Ojulari’s sack, warning Niger Delta youths and stakeholders not to be used as pawns by corrupt actors. It urged the Presidency and the NNPCL leadership to remain focused on reforms, including efforts to break down pipeline surveillance contracts along ethnic lines.
“Those calling for Mr. Ojulari’s sack have inadvertently exposed themselves as agents of sabotage. If truly their goal is to draw the attention of management to their plight, is the call for sack the way to go?” CONFODEV queried.
While reaffirming its support for ongoing reforms in the oil sector, the coalition vowed to resist any attempt to drag the region back into an era of exploitation and injustice. “We will not fold our arms while enemies of progress attempt to derail the transformation already underway,” the statement added.
