TINUBU U-TURN: President Reinstates Sacked Buhari Appointee in Surprise Move

TINUBU U-TURN: President Reinstates Sacked Buhari Appointee in Surprise Move

Abuja – In a stunning reversal, President Bola Tinubu has reinstated Professor Nenibarini Zabbey,  The former appointee of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, as the project coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP). This move comes just a day after Zabbey’s removal sparked widespread criticism and protests from various stakeholders, including the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). According to sources within the presidency, Tinubu’s decision to reinstate Zabbey was based on a performance review of the HYPREP project coordinator, which concluded that the professor is fit to continue discharging his functions in accordance with the project’s regulations.

The reinstatement takes immediate effect, and Zabbey will resume his duties as HYPREP’s project coordinator, overseeing the project’s activities to remediate hydrocarbon pollution in the affected regions. Zabbey’s initial removal had been met with strong opposition, particularly from MOSOP, which threatened to seal the HYPREP office in Port Harcourt if Zabbey was not reinstated. The group had expressed concerns about the appointment of Olufemi Adekanmbi, a former Ondo State commissioner, as the new coordinator, citing the need for community involvement and support in HYPREP’s remediation efforts. The reinstatement of Zabbey appears to be a response to the criticism and pressure from MOSOP and other stakeholders. It highlights the importance of community involvement and support in HYPREP’s remediation efforts. The move is seen as a victory for the Ogoni people and a testament to the power of collective action. Professor Zabbey was one of the appointees appointed by former President Buhari in the final days of his administration.

Buhari announced his appointment in early May 2023, a few weeks before the end of his tenure. The OGONI Environment Watch (OEW) had commended the former president for the move, saying Buhari genuinely loves the Ogoni people. The reinstatement of Zabbey is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address hydrocarbon pollution in Ogoni communities. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of community involvement in environmental remediation efforts. As the project coordinator, Zabbey will play a crucial role in overseeing the project’s activities and ensuring that the needs of the affected communities are taken into account.

The move is also seen as a positive step towards addressing the environmental and health challenges facing the Ogoni people. The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project is a critical initiative aimed at addressing the devastating impact of oil pollution in Ogoni communities. The project’s success is crucial to the well-being of the Ogoni people and the environment. In conclusion, the reinstatement of Professor Nenibarini Zabbey as the project coordinator of HYPREP is a welcome development. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of community involvement in environmental remediation efforts. As the project moves forward, it is essential that the needs of the affected communities are taken into account, and that the project’s activities are tailored to address the environmental and health challenges facing the Ogoni people.

Newnaija News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.