By Our Reporter
Coalition of Northern Elders across the three geopolitical zones today called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint the Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Dr. Bala Wunti to succeed Engr. Mele Kyari, the outgoing Group Chief Executive Officer of the country’s oil company.
According to the Elders, the appointment of a Northern to succeed Kyari would no doubt clear the misgivings and impression that the President favours only people from the south, especially southwest for ‘juicy’ appointments.
“We strongly believe if Wunti from Bauchi State is appointed,the erroneous impressions about the lopsided appointments would disappear because the Northerners would celebrate the feat”. They said .
The elders, who made the appeal in a statement made available to journalist in Kaduna explained,”The decision to speak as elders is to douse tension and tell the President that north deserve rewards in form of appointments for the overwhelming support he enjoyed during the 2023 general elections.
The statement signed by Chairman of Coalition,Prof. Inuwa Wada Mohammed further stated:”We have carefully studied all Northerners within the oil and gas sector,and resolve to support Bala Wunti, a thoroughbred oil and gas industry professional with 30 years’ experience covering Technical, Commercial, Managerial and Executive roles across the oil and gas value chain.
“From records obtained,His leadership in various NNPC roles, from upstream investment management to gas policy reform, shows competence.
“Information gathered about revealed that he is qualified as graduate of Chemistry from Ahmadu Bello University,Moreso as an individual with a Master’s degree in Business Administration,his capacity to deliver is not in doubt.”
The Elders, who acknowledged his selfless commitment and hard work at his current and previous positions in NAPIMS, say President will the service of such oil and gas expert.
“Mele Kyari-led team, alongside Bala Wunti and others, has its name written in gold in the history of the Nigerian oil sector despite challenges and distractions within and outside the sector, therefore the President as head of Nigeria’s apex oil company has the power to decide on who takes over from Kyari.
“We urge Mr President to do this for us and he would assured of our full support in the forthcoming 2027 elections .”
