President Bola Tinubu has authorized the reinstatement of Professor Nenibarini Zabbey as the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
In a statement issued on Monday by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), it was announced that the decision was made after a performance evaluation of the HYPREP Project Coordinator. The president concluded that Professor Zabbey is capable of fulfilling his duties in accordance with the guidelines governing the implementation of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
It said, “By the directive of the president, the reinstatement of the HYPREP Project Coordinator takes immediate effect.”
Following demands from the Movement for The Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) and youth leaders in Ogoni, Rivers State, the Federal Government was given a 24-hour ultimatum to reinstate Zabbey.
MOSOP emphasized in a statement that Prof. Zabbey, a neutral Ogoni figure, is highly qualified and committed to overseeing environmental remediation efforts in Ogoni land, as outlined in the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Report.
Signed by MOSOP President Prof. Olu Wai-Oguso, the statement called for Zabbey’s immediate reinstatement to ensure continuity in HYPREP’s mandate without political interference. MOSOP insisted that appointed HYPREP Coordinators should serve their full terms to foster stability and progress in Ogoni.
MOSOP further threatened to prevent the new appointee from accessing Ogoni and to seal the HYPREP office in Port-Harcourt if a non-Ogoni is appointed as HYPREP Coordinator.
It said, “MOSOP insists that HYPREP must serve the Ogoni people and not political interests.”
The leadership change in HYPREP has sparked widespread reactions since its announcement.
In a press release dated Saturday, July 13 and signed by Ngelale, the appointment of Dr. Olufemi Adekambi as the new HYPREP coordinator was officially approved.
However, representatives from various Ogoni groups such as the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), Ogoni Youths Federation, Ogoni Students Association Worldwide, and the Association of Ogoni Martyrs have expressed their discontent. They argue that Ogoni has capable individuals who are qualified to lead the project, which was originally initiated through the efforts and sacrifices of the Ogoni people without federal assistance.
The youth leaders insisted that unless Prof. Zabbey, whom they believe was performing effectively, is reinstated, they will be compelled to shut down all project sites.
Brinuazor Emmanuel, NYCOP President, and Daniel Karakpon, National President of Ogoni Students Worldwide, affirmed their determination to oppose the assumption of duties by Dr. Olufemi Adekambi, the newly appointed HYPREP Project Coordinator, scheduled to commence officially on Monday following his appointment on Saturday, July 13.