Heavy Security at NNPC Headquarters Over Kachikwu-Baru Feud

Following the escalation of tension generated by the feud between Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State For Petroleum Resources and the Group managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum of Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru, heavy security, comprising the Police and Soldiers, has been mounted by the Corporation.

It was learnt that presence of the security personnel was in line with the directive of the security department of the Corporation.

According to a source at the security department, the move had become necessary due to the tension generated by the memo written by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, to President Muhammadu Buhari, which was leaked.

The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Maikanti Baru had been accused of gross insubordination by the Minister in the leaked memo.

The memo has generated reactions from Civil Society Organisations, opposition parties and even the National Assembly, which had commenced investigation into the allegations of the awarding of contracts to the tune of $24bn without due process.

Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum of Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru (l) and Minister
of State For Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

The source further confirmed that the directive to beef up security at the Corporation was given in order to foster any breakdown of law and order as tension continues to rise over the leaked memo and the subsequent summn of the minister by the President, Muhammadu Buhari.

“As you know, the feud between both parties has caused some division at the NNPC. For now, visitors won’t be allowed to drive in, except they have special appointment or they are contractors and there are special identity cards given to contractors.”

Presently, securities personnel including snipers now run eight-hour shifts at the Corporation having been placed on alert.

It is not yet clear how long this arrangement would last as it is not a regular routine to regular visitors to the NNPC headquarters.

NAN