ASHENEWS reports that the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation has lamented that the indigenes of Lagos State were concerned that their representative at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), had remained stagnant as acting Managing Director withoutconfirmation since 2023.
This is contained in a statement by the President Prince Adelani Adeniji-Adele and Secretary General Mr. Yomi Tokosi made available to ASHENEWS on Sunday.
This statement serves to dispel misconceptions about the so-called ‘Lagos boys’ appointed by President Bola Tinubu and to address specific issues within the NNPC.
According to the Foundation, since President Tinubu assumed office, there have been consistent allegations of nepotism in his appointments, favouring Lagos State or its indigenes.
The Foundation opined that most of the appointees labelled as “Lagos boys” are not indigenes of Lagos State but are Indigenous to other states.
The group highlights that only three of these appointees are true indigenes of Lagos State: Femi Gbajabiamila (Chief of Staff to the President), Hakeem Muri-Okunola (Principal Private Secretary to the President), and the Governor of Central Bank, Mr. Yemi Cardoso.
These appointments, the group notes, are not subject to the constitutional provisions that require Federal Character.
“We are making this clarification so that Nigerians will know that Lagos State has not unduly benefited from the present administration, and we appeal to Mr. President to treat Lagos State indigenes fairly and equally in his appointments. Let’s give Caesar what belongs to Caesar,” the statement read.
Additionally, the group demands an adjustment in Federal Institutions to reflect Federal Character, especially within the NNPC’s top managerial levels.
They reference a statement by the National Chairman of Urhobo Oil and Gas Nationality, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, who expressed discontent with the absence of Urhobo people in key roles in the oil and gas sector.
He noted that out of the 55 chief executives in the NNPC, 36 are from Northern Nigeria, while only 16 represent the entire Southern region.
De Renaissance Patriots Group shares these sentiments, pointing out the unfair career stagnation of Dr. Adebimpe Foluso Pearce (MBBS), the only identifiable Lagos State indigene in a top managerial position at the NNPC.
Dr. Pearce, who joined NNPC in April 1992, has risen through the ranks to become Deputy Manager of Occupational Health in 2007 and a full Manager in 2010. Despite managing the Mosimi and Lagos Medical Zones, she has been stuck in the acting MD position for NNPC Medical Services since September 2023, even after the retirement of the substantive holder.
“Against the normal trend of things, she ought to have been confirmed. She retires next year,” the statement emphasized.
The Foundation prayed that the concerns would be addressed promptly to ensure fair representation and progression for Lagos State indigenes in federal appointments.
