Kachikwu’s letter: IPMAN backs NNPC boss

The Independent Petroleum Markers Association of Nigeria has reiterated its support for the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, in the management of the Corporation.
In a statement signed by Its National Secretary, Danladi Pasali, on Wednesday in Abuja, IPMAN said the letter by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, was an act of distraction to the achievements of the NNPC.
The statement said: “As major stakeholders in the downstream oil and gas sector, we acknowledge the successes achieved since the assumption of the current Group Managing Director, Dr Maikanti Baru and his team.
“The Baru-led administration has been carrying out outstanding reforms which sanitized the downstream oil sector.
“To this end, IPMAN as major stakeholders with highest distribution outlets across the country hereby reiterate our support to the GMD and his team especially, the current Managing Director of the Nigerian Petroleum Marketing Company, Alhaji Umoru Aliyu Ajiya for the good work they have been doing.”
IPMAN added that the association had noticed some attempts to divert attention on the achievements so far recorded in the sector, with the recent letter written by Kachikwu and leaked to the media.
It said that IPMAN considered the said letter as another attempt to divert the attention on the successes achieved and an invitation of chaos to the already sanitized sector.
It said: “In the said letter the minister accused the NNPC management of insubordination, which we considered as very ridiculous.
“As his position as chairman of NNPC board, the minister should have resolve any internal issue at the board meeting, not to resort to media war.
“We are not surprise that Dr Baru was accused of insubordination by the minister because if the GMD has allowed himself to become an errand boy to the minister just as some of the past GMDs did, he wouldn’t have been accused of such.”
IPMAN listed the major achievements of Baru to include efficiency in petroleum products supply, appointing technocrats into right positions and sanitising the imports of petroleum products, which had stabilised the fuel supply in the country in the last two years.
It said: “We use this medium to inform the general public to always desist from any unsolicited rumors of fuel scarcity by any person or group of persons.
“We therefore call on his Excellency to disregard any attempt to scuttle the achievements in the downstream oil sector especially now that some politicians will resort to saboteurs as the election year is approaching.”
It will be recalled that in the letter, Kachikwu reported Baru to President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to take urgent actions to save the oil industry and curb the alleged insubordination of the NNPC boss.
He accused Baru of running the NNPC like his private business and making appointments without regard to the Board and the ministry.”