The Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has condemned criticism by some northern groups against the appointment of Mr. Bashir Ojulari, a Kwara indigene, as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

In a joint statement signed by caucus leaders—Chairman Barr. Kunle Sulaiman (Kwara Central), Deputy Chairmen Senator Mohammed Ahmed (Kwara North) and Chief James Ayeni (Kwara South), and Secretary Hon. AbdulMumini Katibi—the APC elders expressed dismay over what they termed “hypocritical regionalism.”

The statement criticised the tendency of some northern voices to label Kwarans as “southerners” during federal appointments and resource allocations, while paradoxically claiming Kwara as part of the north during political strategising.

“As APC members in the North Central zone, we are baffled by the backlash against Engr. Bashir Ojulari, a proud Igbomina son of Kwara. Critics wrongly claim the President appointed a 'Yoruba man' to lead NNPCL, ignoring Kwara's unique identity and contributions to national unity,” the caucus asserted.

“It is quite ironical that some of these elements from northern Nigeria are also complaining and insinuating that the position has been given to a non northerner. The question we would like to ask them is – where does Kwara State belong? Southern Nigeria?

“Geographically, Nigeria is divided into six geo-political zones and Kwara definitely is part of north central zone.

“We believe that the past pedigree of Ojulari and his rich experience in the oil industry, was the underlying factor and rationale that qualified him on merit, which therefore led to his well deserved recognition and subsequent appointment as GCEO of NNPCL.

“We would like to advise Nigerians to be more focused on ability and competency of appointees into office, rather than being sentimental and trivialising issues on the appointments of Mr. President, such as being expressed in this case of Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari's appointment. This is for progress and development to thrive in Nigeria,” they said.

The elders, however, appreciated the President for the appointment and others that had been done for Kwara State.

We are indeed very happy and grateful to him.

“We also want to thank our leader, the Executive Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the noble roles he had played in ensuring Kwara citizens get Federal appointments.

“As elders of the APC in the state, we appreciate and salute him for his efforts in the general development of Kwara State and pledge our unalloyed loyalty to him and his administration.

“To our son, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, we want to congratulate him for the well deserved appointment. We are confident that he will discharge the functions of his office most diligently and to the best of his ability,” they stated.

Meanwhile, the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) Alumni Association has commended President Tinubu for appointing four of its members into key positions.

The commendation was contained in a press statement jointly signed by the group's National President, Dr. Stephen Olawale Fasakin, and the National Publicity Secretary, Yeye Bolanle Olatunde.

The association listed the members as Babs Omotowa, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) now on the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Board, and Dr. Kayode Opeifa, former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation appointed as Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC.)

Others are Kemi Nanna Nandap the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), whose service tenure has just been extended till December 2026, and Roland Ewubare, the just appointed Group Chief Operating Officer of the NNPC.

“We are indeed very grateful to Mr. President for counting our alumni worthy of appointments into such worthy and key positions.

“While we wish the new appointees a successful tenure of office, we assure Mr. President of our continuous unflinching support for his administration,” the association said.