By Peter Dansu In a shocking turn of events, top security officials reportedly forced the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petro...
By Peter Dansu
In a shocking turn of events, top security officials reportedly forced the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, to resign under pressure at a secret location in Abuja on Friday night.
According to information obtained by People’s Gazette, the operation was carried out by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, and the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Adeola Ajayi. Sources familiar with the matter described the move as a “civilian coup” because President Bola Tinubu did not approve it.
Ojulari, a respected oil expert and former Shell executive, was appointed by President Tinubu in April based on his professional experience. However, tensions have been brewing behind the scenes.
Security officials questioned Ojulari repeatedly about a British-Nigerian businesswoman, Olatimbo Ayinde, who is said to be very close to President Tinubu and has become highly influential in the oil sector. Ojulari reportedly told them he didn’t know her personally but had heard that she was trying to influence operations at NNPC — a move he firmly rejected.
Ayinde, known for her strong ties in the oil business, was previously charged in the UK for allegedly bribing two former Nigerian oil ministers. Reports say Nigerian authorities were asked by British prosecutors to assist in her trial but were allegedly told to slow down the process.
Insiders believe Ojulari’s refusal to bow to pressure from powerful figures may have led to his sudden removal. His recent approval of a costly trip to an oil and gas conference in Kigali also drew criticism, though he denied any wrongdoing and claimed he was being targeted by rivals.
As of Saturday morning, Ojulari had not responded to media inquiries, and neither the Presidency, the EFCC, nor the SSS had issued any official statements on the matter.
The full story behind this dramatic resignation is still unfolding, but many see it as a troubling sign of deep political interference in Nigeria’s oil sector.
Excerpted from People's Gazette
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