Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed as “pure fiction” a report by Peoples Gazette alleging that Group Managing Director Bayo Ojulari was forcibly removed from office, describing the publication as “reckless sensationalism better suited for Nollywood scripts than journalism.”
Key Facts of the Matter
Voluntary Resignation
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Mr. Ojulari submitted his resignation after consultations with authorities
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Decision followed legitimate official trip to Kigali oil/gas conference
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“The only pressure was my own commitment to accountability,” Ojulari stated
Debunked Claims
No “midnight abduction” by security agencies
No involvement of EFCC/DSS in resignation process
No connection to British-Nigerian businesswoman Olatimbo Ayinde
Official Response
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“Resignation followed due process through proper channels”
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NNPCL operations continue uninterrupted
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Ojulari joked: “If I were forced out, I’d negotiate better headlines!”
Quotes from NNPC Leadership
*”After 30+ years in this industry, I don’t exit via conspiracy theories. My resignation was a personal decision, not a spy thriller plot.”*
— Engr. Bayo Ojulari
“The public should disregard this fabricated story. Nigeria’s energy sector is focused on progress, not palace intrigues.”
— NNPC Spokesperson
Why This Matters
✔ Maintains confidence in NNPC’s stability during leadership transition
✔ Counters misinformation about security agency overreach
✔ Reinforces due process in national oil company operations
