Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has refuted accusations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is promoting Yoruba domination in Nigeria’s economic and petroleum sectors. The allegations, initially made by Prof. Farouk Kperogi in an article titled “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC,” were described by Omokri as baseless and misleading.
Omokri argued that President Tinubu's appointments in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and other key economic sectors reflect diversity, merit, and inclusion rather than ethnic bias. He highlighted that the current composition of NNPCL leadership comprises representatives from various regions of Nigeria, with only two board members being of Yoruba origin.
Breakdown of NNPCL Leadership
Omokri presented a detailed breakdown of the NNPCL's management to counter claims of ethnic favoritism:
- Chairman (Non-Executive): Chief Pius Akinyelure (Southwest)
- Group CEO: Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari (Northeast)
- Chief Financial Officer: Adedapo Segun (Southwest)
- Non-Executive Directors:
- Mr. Ledum Mitee (South-South)
- Mr. Musa Tumsa (Northeast)
- Mr. Ghali Muhammad (Northcentral)
- Prof. Mustapha Aliyu (Northwest)
- Mr. David Ogbodo (Southeast)
- Ms. Eunice Thomas (South-South)
Omokri further noted that the supervisory roles over NNPCL are held by non-Yoruba individuals, such as Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Minister of State for Petroleum Resources – Oil) and Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo (Minister of State for Petroleum Resources – Gas), both from the South-South.
Wider Perspective on Federal Appointments
Expanding his argument, Omokri cited the leadership of Nigeria’s top revenue-generating agencies:
- NNPCL CEO: Mallam Mele Kyari (Northeast)
- Nigerian Ports Authority CEO: Mr. Abubakar Dantsoho (Northeast)
- Federal Airports Authority MD: Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku (Southwest)
- Nigerian Communications Commission CEO: Dr. Aminu Maida (Northwest)
- Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency CEO: Mr. Dayo Mobereola (Southwest)
- Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation CEO: Mr. Bello Hassan (Northwest)
He pointed out that only two of these agencies are headed by Yoruba individuals, further dispelling claims of ethnic dominance.
Calls for Unity
Omokri urged Nigerians to critically assess such claims with facts and data to avoid unnecessary ethnic tensions. He warned against creating divisive narratives, emphasizing the need for unity in a country already grappling with regional and political challenges.
“The so-called ‘Yorubanisation’ of government under President Tinubu is a myth. Let us focus on facts and statistics rather than manipulative narratives that hinder national growth,” he concluded.
