Niger Delta Youths Give NNPCL Boss Seven Days to Vacate Office, Demand Successor from Region..
The Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the embattled Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari to vacate office, accusing him of corruption, incompetence and acts of economic sabotage against the Niger Delta and the nation.
At a world press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, the forum, which serves as the umbrella body of youth leaders and stakeholders across the oil-producing region, expressed outrage that despite his resignation on August 2, 2025, amid corruption allegations, Mr. Ojulari has continued to parade himself as GCEO of the national oil company.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Chairman of the Forum and Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, and the Spokesman of the Forum and President-General of the Ogoni Youth Federation, Engr. Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, described the development as unlawful, offensive and a direct affront to the Niger Delta people.
*Corruption Allegations Against Ojulari*
The youth leaders accused Mr. Ojulari of diverting $21 million of NNPCL funds into the private account of his associate, Mr. Bashir Haske; an allegation that has already attracted the attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
They further alleged that the embattled NNPCL boss deliberately shut down the Port Harcourt Refinery on May 24, 2025, with the intent of selling it as scrap to cronies, despite its successful resumption of operations in December 2024 following a $1.5 billion turnaround maintenance.
The Forum also faulted Ojulari for the illegal dismissal of over 400 workers, including youths from the Niger Delta, thereby worsening unemployment in the oil-rich region.
“These actions are unforgivable acts of corruption and economic sabotage against both the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole,” the group declared.
*Call for Niger Delta Successor*
The Forum demanded that President Bola Tinubu immediately appoint a qualified Niger Delta professional as the new GCEO of NNPCL, insisting that the region has a pool of competent engineers and technocrats, who can provide effective leadership for the company.
“Nigeria cannot afford a national oil company without credible leadership,” the statement read. “For the sake of equity, justice, and national stability, the next GCEO must come from the Niger Delta.”
*Warning of Mass Action*
The group warned that failure to meet their demands within seven days would compel Niger Delta youths to embark on decisive mass action with far-reaching consequences for the peace and stability of the region.
“This is not a threat but a warning born out of deep concern. The fragile peace we have worked hard to sustain is now at risk, and as leaders, we cannot stand by and watch it collapse,” the leaders said.
They concluded with a firm call: “Enough is enough. Ojulari must go. Justice must prevail.”