Tekena Amieyeofori
The Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum, NDENYLF, has called for calm and urged Nigerians to allow ongoing reforms at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to succeed, throwing its weight behind Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari.
The group made the call on Monday in a statement signed by its Spokesman, Engr. Legborsi Yamaabana, amid a public campaign for Ojulari’s resignation over allegations relating to security expenditures.
NDENYLF said Nigeria’s strategic institutions deserve stability, and that leadership changes at this stage would only create distractions.
“We believe that Nigeria’s strategic institutions deserve stability, professionalism, and the opportunity to implement meaningful reforms without undue distractions,” the statement said.
The forum noted that since assuming office, Ojulari “has demonstrated a commitment to repositioning NNPC Ltd. into a more efficient, commercially driven, and performance-oriented national energy company.”
“His vast experience in the global oil and gas industry, spanning decades of technical and executive leadership, makes him uniquely qualified to drive the transformation of Nigeria’s petroleum sector,” Yamaabana added.
NDENYLF warned that the oil and gas sector, which remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, requires consistency and long-term planning, not what it described as politically motivated distractions.
“The oil and gas industry remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. It requires consistency in leadership, sound corporate governance, and long-term planning — not politically motivated distractions capable of undermining investor confidence and slowing ongoing reforms,” the group stated.
On the allegations, the youth leaders called for due process. They urged the public to allow statutory agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
“We therefore urge Nigerians to distinguish between allegations and established facts. Every public institution is subject to oversight, and where legitimate questions arise, the appropriate statutory agencies should be allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without prejudice or media trials. Accountability must be pursued through due process, fairness, and the rule of law,” the statement read.
The forum also linked institutional stability at NNPC to development in the Niger Delta, citing the need for transparency, increased production, improved community engagement, and environmental responsibility.
“We commend the ongoing efforts aimed at improving operational efficiency, strengthening corporate governance, enhancing investor confidence, and repositioning NNPC Ltd. as a globally competitive national energy company. These reforms require time, continuity, and the support of all patriotic Nigerians,” NDENYLF said.
The group directly appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stand firm behind the reform agenda.
“We therefore respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to remain steadfast in supporting the reform agenda within NNPC Ltd. and to resist any pressure that may prematurely derail the ongoing transformation of the nation’s most strategic economic institution,” it stated.
“Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari should be given the opportunity to complete the difficult but necessary task of repositioning Nigeria’s oil and gas sector for greater productivity, transparency, profitability, and national economic growth,” Yamaabana said.
“At this critical period in our nation’s history, what Nigeria needs is constructive engagement, institutional stability, and sustained reforms, not distractions capable of reversing the progress already being made.”