President Bola Ahmed 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).
The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) had vehemently denounced the termination of the appointment of Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, an indigenous Ogoni.
By the reversal, the reinstatement of the HYPREP Project Coordinator takes immediate effect, according to a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity) of Monday, July 15.
Monday’s development comes two days after Tinubu approved the appointment of Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Special Duties, Culture and Tourism in Ondo State, as the new Project Coordinator for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project.
Zabbey first became HYPREP Coordinator in May 2023 after being appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as replacement for Dr. Giadom Dumbari.
MOSOP slammed the move as politically motivated and a blatant disregard for the Ogoni people’s interests.
The organisation has expressed outrage and disappointment at the federal government’s actions, which they believe undermine the progress made in addressing the environmental issues affecting the Ogoni region.
MOSOP President, Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, described the move as an affront to the Ogoni people, considering the availability of competent Ogoni individuals for the position.
He praised Professor Zabbey’s capabilities, knowledge, and commitment to fulfilling HYPREP’s mandate, as outlined in the UNEP Report.
He noted that MOSOP opposed the federal government’s perceived use of HYPREP as a political tool to settle politicians, rather than prioritising the remediation of the Ogoni environment.
However, the organisation demands that Professor Zabbey be allowed to serve out his term, citing HYPREP’s independence from federal government funding.
Also, the group issued a stern warning to the federal government, demanding the immediate reinstatement of Professor Nenibarini Zabbey as Coordinator of the HYPREP to complete his tenure, put an end to the use of HYPREP as a political tool to settle politicians and allow appointed HYPREP Coordinators to serve out their tenures to ensure stability and growth in Ogoni.
