‘Stop Tribalism, It’s Opportunity For Resumption Of Oil Exploration In North’, Shehu Sani Tells Critics Of NNPCL Boss Pick

A one-time Senator representing Kaduna Central, Comrade Shehu Sani, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the appointment of Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), dismissing claims that his selection was an ethnic favouritism towards the Yorubas by President Bola Tinubu.

LEADERSHIP reports that Ojulari hails from Kwara State in North-Central geo-political zone of Nigeria.

In a post on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday evening, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain described the criticism as “unfortunate” and called on Nigerians to focus on the potential of the appointment for Northern Nigeria rather than its ethnic implications.

“Those who think that the new CEO of NNPCL, Bayo, is another Yoruba appointment despite the fact that he is from Kwara State in the geographical north of the country is unfortunate,” the former federal lawmaker said.

He emphasised that ‘antagonising Ojulari makes no sense’, adding that his appointment should be seen as an opportunity to re-activate oil exploration in Northern Nigeria.

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“This should rather be another opportunity to appreciate his appointment and demand that he reactivate the oil exploration activities in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Borno, Bauchi, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kebbi states,” he wrote.

Senator Shehu Sani also took a swipe at those stoking ethnic division, urging them to let go of narrow sentiments. “Ethnic jingoists should go and rest,” he stated bluntly.

LEADERSHIP recalls that on April 2, 2025, President Tinubu dissolved the board of NNPC Limited and appointed Bayo Ojulari as the new group chief executive officer of the oil company. Ahmadu Musa Kida was appointed the new non-executive chairman, replacing Chief Pius Akinyelure. This, however, sparked arguments in the country with some critics accusing the president of being bias in his appointment.