By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Tinubu bows to Ogoni pressure, reinstates HYREP coordinator
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, reinstated Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey as the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP). This decision followed massive protests by hundreds of Ogoni youths and various groups in Rivers State.
Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, announced the reinstatement in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu reinstates professor Nenibarini Zabbey, as HYREP Coordinator.’ This move came just two days after Tinubu had appointed Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi as the new Project Coordinator.
The presidency explained that Tinubu’s reversal followed a performance review of Zabbey, concluding he was fit to continue in his role. Zabbey was initially appointed in May 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Protests erupted on Monday as Ogoni youths occupied HYREP’s office in Port Harcourt, demanding Zabbey’s reinstatement. Protest leader and MOSOP Publicity Secretary, Savior Oscar, emphasized the long-standing marginalization of the Ogoni people, insisting that only an Ogoni indigene should head the project.
“We are here to tell Mr. President and the world that the Ogoni have been marginalized and neglected for too long; that the Ogoni people have suffered untold hardship for several decades,” Oscar stated. “We reject the removal of our son, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey as the HYPREP PC.”
Barinuazor Emmanuel, National President of the National Youths Council of Ogoni People, warned that the protests would continue until their demands were met. He expressed relief and gratitude when news of Zabbey’s reinstatement spread, turning the protest into a celebration.
Barigie Goodluck, Chairman of HYPREP Host Communities, also called for Zabbey’s reinstatement, citing his positive contributions to the project. He criticized the attempt to replace Zabbey with Dr. Adekanmbi, emphasizing the need for continuity and expertise in the role.
Tinubu Bows to Ogoni Pressure, Reinstates HYREP Coordinator