NNPC: Jonathan Fires Yakubu, Appoints Dawha

President Goodluck Jonathan Friday sacked Andrew Yakubu as the group managing director (GMD), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and appointed Dr Joseph Thlama Dawha to replace him.

He also approved the appointment of Anthony Ugonna Muoneke as the new managing director for Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).

A statement signed by Dr. Reuben Abati,  Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed that the  new group managing director of the NNPC, Dr. Dawha hails from Borno state.

He has served previously as the group executive director, Exploration and Production, NNPC and Managing Director of Integrated Data Services Ltd (IDSL), a subsidiary of the NNPC", Abati's statement said.

“Mr Anthony Muoneke, the new managing director of the NPDC, hails from Anambra state. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, he has over 29 years’ experience at both local and international levels in the oil and gas as well as the energy and power sectors, including serving as Executive Director, Finance & Admin, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd. (NDPHC)," Abati explained.

The presidency did not give any reason for the change of guards in the sector considered as the country's economic mainstay.

Other appointments according to the release are: Ms Aisha Mata Abdurrahman – Group Executive Director, Commercial and Investment, NNPC and Dr Attahir B. Yusuf – Group Executive Director, Business Development, NNPC.

“All the appointments are with immediate effect. August 1, 2014,” the statement said.