The Coalition of Niger Delta People for Development (CONFODEV) has publicly declared its support for the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, while also expressing full confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During a press conference held on Wednesday, the coalition—which consists of several influential groups such as the Niger Delta Development Agenda (NDDA), Niger Delta Renaissance and Development Movement, Rivers State Ex-Agitators Network, Ndigbo Progressive Youths Coalition, and the Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum—firmly denounced recent allegations of corruption and marginalisation aimed at Mr. Ojulari.
Describing the accusations as “baseless, politically motivated, and a calculated smear campaign,” the coalition claimed that these attacks were orchestrated by individuals threatened by ongoing reforms in the oil sector.
“Mr. Ojulari has been in office for only four months, yet his leadership has already resulted in increased crude oil production, revitalized key infrastructure, and the initiation of empowerment programs for host communities,” CONFODEV said.
The group alleged that certain entrenched interests—who previously benefited from nepotistic contract awards—are now behind the recent wave of attacks. They commended Ojulari’s commitment to equity, transparency, and reform, which they believe is unsettling corrupt elements within the industry.
In response to the situation, CONFODEV resolved to:
Condemn the politically motivated attacks on NNPCL GCEO, Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari.
Pass a vote of confidence on both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ojulari for their efforts in repositioning Nigeria’s oil sector.
Advise Niger Delta youths against being used as pawns by corrupt interests seeking to destabilize the region.
Urge the Presidency and NNPCL leadership to continue dismantling the ethnic monopoly of pipeline surveillance contracts and promote inclusivity.
“Those calling for Mr. Ojulari’s removal have exposed themselves as agents of sabotage,” the coalition stated. “Nigerians must rally behind leadership that reflects our collective aspirations for a fair, transparent, and prosperous oil industry.”
CONFODEV reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms in the petroleum sector and warned against any efforts to drag the Niger Delta back into an era of exploitation and inequality.
