<i>OPINION: NNPCL Management Staff plotting to derail President Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda at NNPC. <br></i><br><br><blockquote><b>Which kind wahala Dey happen for NNPC again'<br></b><br>In my view, the unfolding drama at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) represents nothing short of a brazen assault on President Bola Tinubus visionary Renewed Hope Agenda. <br><br><br><b>When President Tinubu appointed Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, he entrusted him with the audacious task of repositioning this vital national oil corporation, which generates enormous revenue essential for the development of all federating units in Nigeria. But shockingly, a man appointed to support Ojulari in this critical role, Roland Ewubare is now waging what I see as a senseless and destructive war against the NNPCs management. </b><br><br><br><b>His sinister plot appears straightforward: to pull down the GMD in a desperate bid to position himself as the presidents only viable replacement. I firmly believe this evil agenda must be resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians. Not only because Ewubare cannot be permitted to take charge of an institution he actively seeks to dismantle, but also because, in my opinion, he lacks the moral rectitude to manage such a pivotal entity in the first place.<br></b><br><br>Ewubares full-blown campaign to discredit the GMD has raised serious alarms across industry and government circles, as many recall the disruption and corruption controversies he has been linked to in the past.<br><br><br><b>This isnt the first time Ewubares name has surfaced in connection with high-level disruptions. During Dr. Ibe Kachikwus tenure, the man widely credited with introducing him to national energy leadership, Ewubare reportedly broke ranks. A similar effort to unseat Mele Kyari as GMD of NNPC came to an abrupt end in 2020 after a covertly recorded conversation revealed internal maneuverings, leading to Ewubares resignation.</b><br><br><br><b>Moreover, his name has emerged in past financial controversies, including the federal governments recovery of funds tied to the Halliburton bribery case. Media reports have identified Ewubare, then serving as Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission as one of the individuals associated with an escrow account holding over $32.5 million (13.5 billion). This account, reportedly at JPMorgan Chase under the name Madison Avenue Escrow-CBN-FGN Litigation Settlement, was not held in the name of the Federal Government.</b><br><br><br>In 2023, a whistleblower further alleged Ewubares involvement in a $280 million oil servicing fraud, which reportedly remains under investigation. <br><br><br><b>Yet, it is his recent behavior that raises the gravest concerns in my mind. Leading up to the appointment of a new Group Chief Executive Officer for NNPC Limited, Ewubare is reported to have lobbied aggressively, canvassing key figures in the Tinubu administration in a bid to secure the top job. When that failed, a new position was created for him: Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO).<br></b><br><br><b>Although this so-called COO appointment seems high-ranking, it does not grant him a seat on the companys Board, as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which limits Executive Director positions to the GCEO and GCFO.</b><br><br><b>I am convinced that this lawful exclusion has sent Ewubare into a tailspin, fueling his sinister campaign against the management.<br></b><br>Shortly after his appointment, Ewubare began placing close associates in strategic roles across the company, including within the office of the GCEO. He is believed to have cultivated influence in parts of the senior management team while quietly questioning the GCEOs authority and leadership style despite the GCEO already earning well-deserved praises for his operational discipline and transparency.<br><br><br><b>The situation escalated dramatically just days before a major strategy retreat, when blogs started publishing unverified claims about private jet expenses and politically motivated travel. These reports were false, but the damage was inflicted nonetheless.<br></b><br><br><b>Then came the stunning moment that rocked the organization: while the GCEO was live on stage during a company town hall, Ewubare submitted his resignation via text message. Many interpreted the timing as a deliberate attempt to destabilize. Within hours, the GCEO revoked all system access and took steps to safeguard the companys operations.<br></b><br>Days later, Ewubare attempted to walk back the resignation, claiming it had been rejected by higher authorities. No formal statement ever supported that narrative. At a subsequent public event, he approached the GCEO in front of media cameras in what appeared to be a choreographed gesture of reconciliation. Few were convinced.<br><br><b>Since then, intelligence sources suggest that Ewubare has been coordinating external pressure through media proxies, contractors, and political allies. Operational instability in certain regions has coincided with these efforts, raising fears of attempts to portray the GCEO as ineffective. <br></b><br><b>Whats at stake here extends far beyond mere internal cohesion at the NNPC. In my strong opinion, this constitutes a direct challenge to the Presidents bold reforms of Nigerias most strategic state enterprise.<br></b><br><br>President Tinubu received widespread praise from Nigerians after carefully selecting and announcing a new leadership for the NNPC, led by Ojulari. Nigerians believed this decision would mark a turning point for the institution.<br><br><b>For the first time in recent memory, NNPC Limited is led by a group of seasoned professionals with deep technical expertise, international standing, and a clear mandate to run the company commercially. The choice to downplay political influence and elevate competence drew acclaim both domestically and abroad.</b><br><br>That this team is already being tested, not by failure or public opposition, but by what I perceive as internal sabotage is not just unfortunate; it is deeply telling.<br><br><br><b>Public commentators have described the current Board and Management as the most capable NNPC has ever had. Many believe that if this team cannot deliver the long-overdue transformation of the company, no one can.</b><br><br>What they need now is not interference or engineered instability, but the space, support, and protection to succeed.<br><br><b>This isnt merely a test of corporate governance. It is a test of political will, national reform, and legacy.<br></b><br><br>Chuckwuebuka Alloy Nduka writes from Owerri, IMO state and can be reached on BukaalloyNduka@gmail.com</blockquote>
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