President Tinubu Reinstates Zabbey as HYPREP Coordinator Just 48 Hours After Removal

President Bola Tinubu has reinstated Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey as the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), just 48 hours after his initial removal.

The decision came following a comprehensive performance review, which affirmed that Prof. Zabbey is well-suited to fulfill his duties in line with the regulations governing HYPREP.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, confirmed in a statement on Monday that the reinstatement is effective immediately.

The initial removal of Zabbey had sparked outrage, particularly from the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). The organization had threatened to shut down HYPREP’s Port Harcourt office unless Zabbey was reinstated. MOSOP argued that Zabbey, an Ogoni native, is exceptionally qualified and committed to the project’s goals as outlined in the UNEP Report.

On Saturday, President Tinubu had appointed Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Special Duties, Culture and Tourism in Ondo State, as the new Project Coordinator. Adekanmbi’s appointment was met with criticism from MOSOP, who saw it as a political maneuver and an affront to the Ogoni community.

MOSOP President Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu emphasized Zabbey’s capabilities and condemned the politicization of HYPREP, which is not funded by the federal government. He called for Zabbey’s reinstatement to ensure the continuation of the remediation efforts without political interference.