The Niger Delta group on Friday issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding the Ojulari-led management's prosecution over damning allegations of corruption and economic sabotage.
The nation’s oil and gas industry has again come under scrutiny as a Niger Delta group, the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum, has protested the alleged mismanagement of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under Bayo Ojulari's leadership, accusing it of fraud, job cuts and refinery shutdown.
The Niger Delta group on Friday issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding the Ojulari-led management's prosecution over damning allegations of corruption and economic sabotage.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, youth leaders from across the oil-rich Niger Delta region accused the Ojulari management of “crippling the NNPCL” and “endangering national peace” amid a cloud of corruption allegations.
According to a statement signed by Sir Jothan Lokpobiri Snr, Chairman, Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum and Engr. Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, President-General, Ogoni Youth Federation respectively, they said "Ojulari's continued leadership is a slap in the face of the Niger Delta people and all Nigerians.”
The group unveiled a list of accusations against Ojulari, chief among them being diverting $21million in NNPCL funds into a private account belonging to his associate, Mr. Bashir Haske, triggering ongoing investigations and arrests by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); sabotaging the Port-Harcourt Refinery, which had resumed operations in December 2024 after a $1.5billion taxpayer-funded overhaul, by shutting it down on May 24th, 2025 to allegedly sell it off at scrap value to cronies, while redirecting crude oil cargoes; illegally sacking over 400 Nigerian youths, including many from the Niger Delta, exacerbating unemployment in a region already facing economic hardship.Nigerian cultural tourism packages
“These actions are unforgivable crimes against the Niger Delta and the Nigerian state. Ojulari must not only vacate the office — he must face justice,” the statement said.
The Forum also insisted that the next NNPCL boss must come from the Niger Delta, the region that produces the bulk of Nigeria’s oil wealth.
“We have competent, globally respected professionals from the Niger Delta who can lead NNPCL with integrity and vision. Enough of the marginalisation.”
Issuing a stern ultimatum, the youth leaders warned that if Ojulari is not removed and prosecuted within seven days, the region’s youths would be forced to “take decisive mass action with far-reaching consequences.”
“This is not a threat, but a warning born of deep concern. The fragile peace in the Niger Delta is being endangered by Ojulari’s criminal conduct and federal silence. We will not sit by while our people are betrayed,” the statement added.
Culled from Sharareporters
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