Tinubu removes HYPREP Coordinator two days after appointment, reinstates former head

By Paul Dada

President Bola Tinubu has removed Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi as the Coordinator for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), two days after his appointment was announced.

Tinubu has also reinstated the former Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey whom he sacked before appointing Adekambi.

The President’s Special Adviser, Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement on Monday, said Zabbey was restored to his position after Tinubu reviewed his performance.

The statement read: “President Bola 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).

“By the directive of the President, the reinstatement of the HYPREP Project Coordinator takes immediate effect”.

The development may attract the criticisms of stakeholders in Ogoniland who had welcomed  the appointment of Adekanmbi whose appointment was announced on Saturday by Ngelale.

The statement informing the public about Adekanmbi’s appointment had read: “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi as the new Project Coordinator for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

“Dr. Adekanmbi is a former Commissioner for Special Duties, Culture and Tourism in Ondo State, and a member of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES).

“He holds a Doctorate degree in Environmental Management.

“The President anticipates the exercise of competence, dedication, and professionalism in fulfilling the mission of the HYPREP to restore and revitalize communities impacted by hydrocarbon pollution, with a primary focus on Ogoniland in Nigeria”.

Although Adekanmbi hails from Ondo,  prominent Ogoni indigenes had praised Tinubu for the appointment pointing to the right antecedents of the appointee.

HYPREP,  an agency under the Federal Ministry of Environment is one saddled with the responsibility  of  remediating soil and groundwater contamination in Ogoniland.  Its mandate includes ensuring sustainable livelihoods and fostering security in Ogoniland.