President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, July 4, fired Dr. Ibe Kachikwu as the Group Managing Director, GMD, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.
Kachikwu, who was appointed in August 2015, took over from Joseph Dawha, who served under former President, Goodluck Jonathan.
According to the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President also approved the composition of the Board of the NNPC, as provided for under Section 1 (2) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Act of 1997, as amended.
In a bid to fill in the vacuum, the President appointed Maikanti Kacalla Baru, as the new GMD, NNPC.
Although, Kachikwu was not relived of his position as Minister of State for Petroleum.
Related: Finally, Buhari Sacks Kachikwu
The new board was saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that it successfully delivers the mandate of the NNPC, “and serves the nation, by upholding the public trust placed on them in managing this critical national asset.”
Although, the President did not give reasons why he fired Kachikwu, Post-Nigeria gathered that the sack might not be unconnected with the several accusations of incompetence leveled against the Minister.
Other reasons gathered, were his numerous contradictory statements, including his alleged involvement in an employment saga, where his relatives including other top politicians’ sons and daughters were compensated with juicy appointments.
Related: Buhari Weeps as Kachikwu Lands in Deep Trouble
Kachikwu, had earlier on assumption of office, been accused of regularly flying private jets usually chartered by the immediate Past Minister of Petroluem Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke, in conjunction with the Governor of Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele.