Tinubu reinstates Nenibarini Zabbey as HYPREP coordinator — two days after removal

President Bola Tinubu has reinstated Nenibarini Zabbey, a senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, as the coordinator for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

On July 13, Tinubu removed Zabbey as HYPREP coordinator and announced the appointment of Olufemi Adekanmbi, former commissioner of special duties in Ondo, as his replacement.

However, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) condemned Zabbey’s removal and threatened to seal the HYPREP office in Port Harcourt if he is not reinstated.

The group described the appointment of a non-Ogoni person as an affront, adding that the Ogonis have individuals competent enough to lead the project.

On Monday, Ajuri Ngelale, spokesperson of the president, said in a statement that Zabbey has been reinstated as HYPREP coordinator.

“President Bola Tinubu has approved the reinstatement of Professor Nenibarini Zabbey as the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP),” the statement reads.

“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.”

In 2023, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Zabbey as HYPREP coordinator to replace Ferdinand Giadom.