Arewa Elders and Youth Forum, AEYF, has cautioned those it described as “mischief makers” against making baseless allegations and casting aspersions on the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari.
Speaking to journalists yesterday in Kano, AEYF Chairman, Alhaji Salisu Magaji, called on Nigerians, especially those from the north to rally behind Ojulari to ensure his success in the role.
Magaji also commended President Bola Tinubu for his foresight in appointing Ojulari, describing the decision as a step in the right direction for the nation’s oil and gas sector.
He said, “Those northerners castigating and blackmailing Ojulari should note that the NNPC boss hails from Kwara State and therefore, he is a northerner, he belongs to the 19 northern states of the country.”
Alhaji Magaji also added that aside from been a northerner, he merited the position, adding that ”the country is in need of capable hands that would contribute in achieving the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Tinubu.
“It is high time we stop regional sentiments and measure those appointed to positions in terms of their capacity and credibility.
“We are going to mobilise all northerners -women, youths, governors, traditional rulers and even politicians to give him maximum support to deliver in the oil sector and make the president and Nigerians proud.
“We are calling on him to help in the exploration of Kolmani oil drilling in Bauchi and Gombe States.
“It should be recalled that Komani oil drilling was abandoned, but the present government has raised hope by resuscitating and drilling it.
“We are behind him and we will mobilise patriotic people to rally round him to succeed and for the project to see the light of the day.
“We, the people of the north, should not dance to the tune of some disgruntled elements to blackmail an innocent man without substantiated facts and evidence.”
Magaji hinted that if by tomorrow, a person from Kaba, who happens to be Yoruba, is appointed minister, will these enemies of progress label him a non-Northerner? The question we should ask them is, is Kaba not part of Kogi and the state not part of the 19 northern states?
“This unnecessary insinuation from disgruntled elements will not erode our support for the NNPC boss. He is a true Nigerian and hails from Kwara State,” he said.
