The outgoing Group General Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, on Tuesday relived how President Muhammadu Buhari appointed, Mr. Mele Kyari as his successor.
According to him, this was the first time the corporation is recording a smooth transition as the President requested him to nominate would- be successors from which he made the appointment.
Speaking at the Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference in Abuja, he said he was surprised to hear a speaker at the conference describe him as a shroud negotiator.
Baru cheerfully said that he used to see himself as a pushover.
He also noted although “I don’t think, in my opinion, Mele is top negotiator,” stressing that “but if he is it is a good blend for the industry cause you now have the moderation.”
He also expressed surprised that Mr. President forgo his (Baru’s) top quality of negotiation skills to appoint Kyari, who could moderate the industry.
Baru, who is due for retirement on July 7, posited that the choice “is all for the better of the industry.”
The Group Chief Executive of OandoPlc, Wale Tinubu had in the conference said that he looked forward to the administration of the new GMD, Mele Kyari.
He was hopeful that the incoming NNPC boss would be successful having been through the excellent platform of Baru.
His words: “I look forward to happy next term with the new GMD of NNPC. I am sure he will deliver for us having excellent an excellent platform from the outgoing GMD, Dr. Maikanti Baru.”
Responding, the outgoing NNPC boss said that: “The industry has been observing us. I did not know that there is an assessment between me and Kyari, until this morning when I heard that I am a shroud negotiator. I taught I am a pushover. But it is a good compliment. I don’t think, in my opinion, Mele is top negotiator.
“But if he is it is a good blend for the industry because you now have the moderation. It is the first time in the industry that we have a very smooth transition. Thanks to Mr. President. In line with his vision, he said, nominate successors from which I will take. “So, may be Mr. President had looked our different characters and taught that a long transition period between the two incoming GMD and outgoing GMD will be the better for the industry.
“From my substance of top negotiator skills, he goes for somebody who could moderate and all for the better of the industry.”
Baru informed the stakeholders in the conference that the outing marked his last NOG engagement as the GMD of NNPC.
“Like many of you know, I will be retiring officially from the Corporation on 7th July, 2019 (exactly five days from now), by then I would have attained the statutory 60 years retirement age,” he said.
The outgoing NNPC chief said that “I am therefore super-excited today for the great opportunity afforded me by this year’s edition of the NOG for two reasons. The first reason is that it falls perfectly on my twilight days at the NNPC, which interestingly means I have that lifetime chance to say goodbye to many of you whom I have known and interacted with for close to three decades of my career at the Corporation.
“Even more important is the second reason, which is to be privileged to share with you some of NNPC’s modest efforts – not only these past three eventful years but throughout the course of my career – at promoting investment by stimulating collaboration among the various players within Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry.”
The Nation
