THISDAY

VERY SMART MOVES MR. PRESIDENT! BUHARI APPOINTS BOLA TINUBU’S MAN INTO NNPC BOARD

•IntrIgues as tInubu’s best frIend, PIus akInyelure, makes nnPC lIst

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The storm seems over between President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressiv­es Congress ( APC) national leader, Bola Tinubu. Ill- wind has deserted the midst of the two prominent leaders of Nigeria’s ruling party, like evil mist at the searing blaze of celestial light. Rabble- rousers and career gossips may hold their peace now, Buhari will woo Tinubu. Finally, Mr. President has decided to curry the favour of the two-time governor of Lagos State and national leader of APC by appointing his best friend, Pius Akinyelure, as a member of the newly constitute­d board of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporatio­n (NNPC). Prior to Tinubu’s man, Pius’ appointmen­t on to the board, mischief makers alleged that Tinubu felt betrayed and unhappy with President Buhari who allegedly ignored most of his suggestion­s and nomination­s into key public offices in the country. President Buhari allegedly listened to the advice of aides and advisers who needed him to be at loggerhead­s with Tinubu due to their fear of the APC leader’s rising and very intimidati­ng profile. However, Buhari is reportedly doing a cartwheel and reconsider­ing mending fences with Tinubu because he believes he would still need the APC boss by the time he vies for a second term in office; thus his recent appointmen­t of Tinubu’s friend, Pius on to the NNPC board. Pius is the only Yoruba man on the newly constitute­d board; it would be recalled that Pius supported and donated generously to Buhari’s campaign and as a result, he was promised a very juicy portfolio when Buhari becomes President.

When it didn’t happen on time, he lost hope in Buhari’s government and ditched all hopes of enjoying compensati­on for his contributi­ons to the success of the incumbent president’s electoral campaign. However, when news of his appointmen­t got to him, he was visibly pleased as he had given up hope on President Buhari. Not with his shabby treatment and betrayal of his friend and political associate, Tinubu.

 ??  ?? Pius Akinyelure
Pius Akinyelure

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