President Bola Tinubu has reinstated Professor Nenibarini Zabbey the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project. The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, announced Zabbey’s reinstatement in a statement on Monday, noting that the decision comes just two days after Tinubu approved the appointment of Dr Olufemi Adekanmbi as the new Project Coordinator.
Explaining the reason for the reversal, the Presidency stated that President Tinubu reached this decision after a performance review, which revealed that Prof. Zabbey is fit to continue leading the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project. Prof. Zabbey was initially appointed to this role in May 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, succeeding Dr. Giadom Dumbari, whose appointment was terminated by the current administration.
The coordinator steps into action right away. Their role commences without delay, springing into effect instantly. The coordinator’s duties and responsibilities commence in the present moment, with no lag or hesitation. The Prof. Zabbey’s reinstatement takes place with immediate effect. In some quarters of the country, Prof. Zabbey’s reinstatement can be perceived as an appeasement to the Youth Leaders of Ogoni who had given the government a 24-hour ultimatum to reinstate Professor Zabbey or face the shutdown of all project sites in Ogoniland.
