How Kwara-born Ojulari Emerged as NNPC CEO * His Ties with Tinubu * Appointment Exposes Kwara Governor
By Omowumi Omotosho
The appointment of Engr. Bashir Bola Ojulari as the new Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was decided nine months ago by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Pilot can now reveal.
According to reliable sources within the Presidency who spoke to National Pilot under anonymity, the decision was not a sudden one. Ojulari was recommended for the job by one of the closest friends and business partner of President Tinubu.
“The President had made up his mind about Ojulari’s appointment about nine months ago. It was one of the President closest friends and business partner that recommended Ojulari. The announcement may be new to the public, but the process has been long concluded,” a top source at the Presidency disclosed.
Ojulari, a seasoned oil and gas expert, is a native of Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
A scion of the legendary Ojulari family of Oke Ode, he previously served as Managing Director at Shell for six years, earning respect for his leadership and deep industry knowledge.
However, following the popular speculation that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State influenced Ojulari’s appointment , National Pilot TV investigation revealed that the governor had no contribution whatsoever in the appointment of Ojulari.
“The Governor had no input in Ojulari’s appointment. In fact, the Presidency did not even consult the state government. It was purely based on recommendations from within Tinubu’s inner circle,” another Presidency source confirmed.
The lack of influence by Governor Abdulrazaq in federal appointments has become a growing concern among Kwarans, especially when compared to previous administrations. Many recall that under the administration of former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, as governor of Kwara state, numerous Kwarans were appointed to strategic federal positions. In contrast, Governor Abdulrazaq’s track record in this regard has drawn criticism, with only the appointment of Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa as Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) directly credited to his influence.
Also, the governor did not have any input in the appointment of Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe as Chairman of the National Health Authority Insurance Authority (NHIA). The President did the appointment on his own volition.
Despite the political undercurrents, Ojulari’s appointment has been met with applause across Kwara State, as citizens celebrate the recognition of one of their own on a national stage.
