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Postings, dismissals prepare us for unbundling, says NNPC
The latest shakeup that led to the redeployments promotion and sacking of some senior management workers at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation was in preparation for the proposed unbundling of the oil firm.
Officials of the corporation stated that the move was part of plans by NNPC to implement the recommendations contained in the Petroleum Industry Bill, which had been passed by the National Assembly.
This came as oil dealers under the aegis of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria told our correspondent that the government should ensure the speedy implementation of the unbundling of NNPC as proposed in the petroleum bill.
Although the bill had yet to be assented to by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), it recommended that the corporation be transformed into a limited liability company.
It read in part, “The minister shall within six months from the commencement of this Act, cause to be incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, a limited liability company, which shall be called Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
“The minister shall at the incorporation of NNPC Limited, consult with the Minister of Finance to determine the number and nominal value of the shares to be allotted, which shall form the initial paid-up share capital of NNPC Limited and the government shall subscribe and pay cash for the shares.”
On why the corporation made new appointments ahead of its incorporation into a new entity as proposed in the PIB, its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Kennie Obateru, said, “The whole process of unbundling will happen when the bill is assented to.
“However, like in any serious organization, when you anticipate that something will happen, you can begin to prepare yourself without necessarily having to take specific actions in that regard.
“But it becomes law only when Mr President assents to it and that is when categorical steps will be taken to effect the changes brought about by the PIB.”
Asked to explain the oil firm’s declaration that chief operating officer positions in the corporation had been re-designated as group executive directors in alignment with the rules of the Company and Allied Matters Act, Obateru said officials in the new position might handle the required groundwork when the PIB becomes law.
He said, “You can begin some preparatory work, for example, there’s no time we will not have people in that category. So, the nomenclature is just the issue and you can begin to do that, preparatory to the new identity.
“Maybe those are the people who will begin the groundwork for the changes when the PIB is assented to.”
On complaints in some quarters over the alleged undue sacking of the Chief Operating Officer, Gas, and Power, Yusuf Usman, the NNPC spokesperson argued that what was done was based on the best assessment of the oil firm’s leadership.
Obateru said, “The leadership from time to time look at who can help deliver the best value for the job that is at hand to be done and that is the consideration that goes into such appointments.
“Only one person was replaced; others were either moved or promoted and that is based on an assessment and what the leadership thinks is best for the corporation.”
Commenting on the shakeup at the corporation, the National Public Relations Officer, IPMAN, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, said the government was working in line with the PIB.
He said, “In line with the rules of the Corporate Affairs Commission, there must be an independent Nigerian National Petroleum Company, which is a registered company.
“So when you don’t follow all the laid down statutes, there is no way you are going to achieve the PIB because it gave room for all these factors that will ensure that this company or companies are run independently without undue interference.
“It is a laudable activity that shows transparency and we want to commend the minister, as well as ask for the speedy implementation of the unbundling process.”
On Monday NNPC announced the promotion and redeployment of some staff to fill vacant positions, as well as the disengagement of a chief operating officer.
The oil firm’s Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, said the new appointments would enable the corporation to live up to the expectations of Nigerians.
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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