Seven weeks after appointing Alhaji Shehu Ladan as the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday relieved him of his duties.
The corporation’s Group Executive Director, Refineries and Petrochemicals Mr. Austin Oniwon, was appointed as his replacement.

Also, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe was named Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Hassan Tukur, Principal Secretary, and Ima Niboro, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

No reason was given for the sudden change in the terse statement issued by Niboro.
But THISDAY learnt that Jonathan has not been impressed with the “slow pace” of the man who was originally mandated to get the corporation ready for the impending restructuring of the oil industry through the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) expected to be passed into law by the National Assembly soon.

a few of my friends will have night vigil this night

Abagworo:

Austin Olusegun Oniwon


that name looks familiar.

Pro Anti:

President Johnny shouldnt be in a hurry to prove a point. He should be systematic and meticulous in his handling of NNPC.

We can be rest assured that the hyenas and jackals in the totally corrupt NNPC will be ready for a fight. The external auditors should be ready for all kinds of intimidation and harrassment. Once Presido Johnny can tackle the hydra-headed monsters (corruption, nepotism, mediocrity) which has built their headquarters in NNPC, Nigeria will be on the path to greatness.

Nenum:

well, me for one belief that for we to get to the root of the electricity problem in Nigeria, NNPC must be straightened out.
That's where the key to power genration (at least before distribution) lies.
if the hurricane is about change and setting a lasting legacy, then its a good omen, but if it is about 2011 and authority,
i wud just sit back and laugh, cuz, i am sure i have seen this movie before.

This man was hired just one month ago?

What was the vetting process?

I think it is an indictment on Jonathan's judgement and vetting process for appointment if this man was actually sacked. What did they find out now that they did not know 1 month ago.

Jonathan just has to be careful. There is no need for being erratic.

He wasnt sacked. . .He apparently prefers politics. . .He is now deputy Governor of Kaduna State

Perhaps he wants to run in 2011

The most shocking development was the removal of Shehu Ladan, the recently appointed Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). He has been replaced with Mr. Austin Oniwon Oniwon who hails from Okene in Kogi State; until this appointment, Mr Oniwon was the Group Executive Director, Refineries and Petrochemicals, at the corporation.

According to the press statement from the office of the president, an order for a comprehensive audit of NNPC accounts has also been given. The Finance minister is to engage the services of a world class auditing firm to carry out the audit.

paddy_lo:

^^^^

that news story is not correct. . . .u dont get fired and land as deputy governor of kaduna state immediately

besides he has been on that seat for less than 2months

Is there any reason we should trust you and Pointblanknews over Saharareporters, Vanguard Nigeria and AFP?

mikeansy:

Is there any reason we should trust you and Pointblanknews over Saharareporters, Vanguard Nigeria and AFP?

paddy_lo:

common sense. . . .tell me the last time someone was sacked and got such a high profile post immediately

dont forget that jonathan chose sambo,so he will also have a hand in who becomes deputy Governor

If the shehu ladan guy was sacked due to corruption or non-performance
then it will be immpossible to justify his new appointment as Dep. Gov

Dis Guy:

lol@ nigeria news and 'press briefing

was he sacked, was he removed, was he re-appointed?

several hours later these yeye journalist cannot update their news website from the china blackberry

Dis Guy:

lol@ nigeria news and 'press briefing

was he sacked, was he removed, was he re-appointed?
several hours later these yeye journalist cannot update their news website from the china blackberry