HRM King (Dr.) HM Baridam Suanu Yormaadam,JP. Commends Tinubu for Ogoni-Friendly Appointments.
His Majesty, the Gbenemene of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom and Chairman of the Khana Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King (Dr.) Suanu Timothy Yormaadam Baridam Suanu Yormaadam, JP, has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the nomination of distinguished sons of Ogoniland and Rivers State into strategic leadership positions within Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory […]
His Majesty, the Gbenemene of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom and Chairman of the Khana Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King (Dr.) Suanu Timothy Yormaadam Baridam Suanu Yormaadam, JP, has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the nomination of distinguished sons of Ogoniland and Rivers State into strategic leadership positions within Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory institutions.
In a press statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, the revered monarch described the appointment of Senator Magnus Abe as Board Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as a landmark decision that underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusiveness, equity, and national cohesion. He further lauded the nomination of Mr. Kenneth Kobani, another worthy son of Rivers State, as a Non-Executive Member of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), noting that both appointments reflect confidence in the capacity and competence of leaders from the Niger Delta region.
According to His Majesty, these nominations go beyond political recognition and represent deliberate peace-building measures aimed at addressing long-standing concerns of marginalisation and exclusion, particularly in Ogoniland. He noted that President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate sincerity by translating promises into concrete actions, describing the recent appointments as visible and reassuring outcomes of the ongoing engagement with the Ogoni people.
The monarch stated that the traditional rulers and people of Khana Local Government Area deeply appreciate the President’s gesture, which he said has rekindled hope and strengthened trust in the Federal Government. He emphasized that the appointments have further created an atmosphere conducive to dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding between the government and host communities.
His Majesty reaffirmed the full support of the Khana Traditional Rulers Council for the rebirth and resumption of legitimate economic activities in Ogoniland, stressing that such efforts must be anchored on justice, environmental responsibility, and sustainable development. He maintained that peace and economic progress can only thrive when communities are carried along as active stakeholders in decision-making processes that affect their land and livelihoods.
The royal father further assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the continued loyalty, support, and prayers of the Ogoni people, expressing confidence that the administration’s inclusive approach will consolidate peace and stability across Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta.
He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, unity, and restraint, noting that collective cooperation remains essential to achieving lasting development, prosperity, and harmony in Ogoniland.