Why Tinubu sacked HYPREP Boss Barely 48 Hours of Appointment

President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate removal and replacement of Olufemi Adekanmbi as the Project Coordinator for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), demonstrating his regard for community sentiments.

Adekanmbi’s appointment was announced on Saturday, July 13, but just 48 hours later, several groups in the Niger Delta led by popular Movement for the survival of Ogoni people (MOSOP) opposed his appointment and gave the FG 48 hours ultimatum to reinstate Professor Nenibarini Zabbey as the Project Coordinator of HYPREP.

Despite Adekanmbi’s qualifications, including his experience in public service and membership in the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), the opposing groups pointed out that he is not an indigene of Ogoni land, where HYPREP operates extensively.

In response to the opposition, the Federal Government reinstated the former project coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, an Ogoni indigene who is well-versed in the project and its impact on the community.

An updated statement on Monday by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, confirmed the decision: “President Bola Tinubu has approved the reinstatement of Professor Nenibarini Zabbey as the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).”

“The President reached the decision following a performance review of the HYPREP Project Coordinator and concluded that the Project Coordinator is fit to discharge his functions in accordance with the regulations guiding the execution of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

By the directive of the President, the reinstatement of the HYPREP Project Coordinator takes immediate effect”.