A statement by Mr Idang Alibi, the Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, said Kachikwu was chosen in the category of Business and Finance.

The statement quoted Mr Omar Yedder, the Publisher and Managing Director of the magazine as saying “Kachikwu is adedicated to changing the African narrative and fighting for its interests.

“It is in accordance with that tradition that Dr Kachikwu was spotlighted as one of the greatest influencers of the continent in 2017.

“My organisation hope to continue on this journey alongside people engaged in transformational roles across the continent.

“The magazine is celebrating and reflecting on what shaped the African continent in 2017, and recognised men and women who were change-makers and influencers in a number of sectors and industries.’’

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Confirming it to our reporter, the Director, Press Relations in the Ministry, Mr Idang Alibi, said there was no substantial damage.

”Yes. Yes, I can confirm it happened. There was a minor fire incident but it’s nothing to worry about.

”No life was lost, no one was injured and there was no substantial damage. Thank you,” Alibi said.

A source at the ministry, however, told our reporter, ”the incident was caused by a power surge. It’s not a major fire outbreak like people are saying.

”No, there were no fire truck. Like I said, it was just a power surge and everyone is OK.”

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The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) made the pledge in Abuja in a statement by Mr Ndu Ughamadu, NNPC Group General Manager Group Public Affairs Division.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu had accused Baru of flouting contractual agreements, creating a fear culture in the corporation and insubordination among others.

Ughamadu, reacting to the allegations on Monday, however, said the Minister’s allegations were not true as due process had been followed in the corporation’s various activities.

Ughamadu said at a solidarity visit to the GMD, the National President of PENGASSAN, Mr Francis Johnson, said the unions and its members considered it appropriate to rally round Baru and the NNPC Management to pledge their support.

”The unions’ support for the GMD was based on his ability to walk his talk since assuming office last year.

”The National body of PENGASSAN and all the NNPC in-house unions are here today to show our support for you.

”You have brought stability to the NNPC and we are happy today that staff morale is high. You were Chairman of NNPC Anti-Corruption Committee for over five years and that was what informed your appointment as GMD of NNPC.

”Today, all the bullets you are taking are on behalf of members of staff. We will continue to pray for you, God will continue to guide and shield you,” Ughamadu quoted Johnson.

Ughamadu said the unionist called on Nigerians to be cautious of their comments on the controversy, adding that any wrong information was capable of discouraging investors from the oil and gas industry.

He said the NNPC Group Chairman of PENGASSAN, Mr Sale Abdullahi, who also spoke during the solidarity visit disclosed that part of the unions’ concern had to do with the need to protect not only the GMD but the NNPC as an institution.

”Baru had streamlined the processes and procedures in the Corporation leading to the full restructuring which was beginning to yield positive results.

”Today, the GMD and NNPC Management receive inputs from staff and this gesture by Dr Baru has given members of staff a sense of belonging.

”Today, our inputs are being implemented and we are highly motivated.”

Other union leaders who were at the meeting to lend support were the Group Chairman of NNPC NUPENG, Udofia Benjamin and Chairman of NNPC Corporate Headquarters Chapter of PENGASSAN, Mathew Duru.

Also speaking, Baru described the allegations of award of contracts without regard to due process as unfounded and unfortunate.

He explained that as a former chairman of the NNPC Anti-Corruption Committee, he would be the last person to breach the procurement process by disregarding extant laws and rules.

The GMD said both the NNPC Act and Public Procurement Act vested procurement powers on the NNPC Tenders Board, the President and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) depending on the cost threshold, stressing that the NNPC Board had no role whatsoever in the process.

”I know for those of you who are following what we are doing here, you know that there’s no money lost and no process has been breached.

”Our contracting process is perfect and we will continue to follow the process. The NNPC Board has no role, I repeat, has no role as far as the contracting process is concerned,” Baru said.

He said the crude term contract and the DSDP agreements were not contract as such but pre-qualification of off-takers of crude oil.

”The case of DSDP, is of those that will take crude and give us products in return.

”So there is no value to them. But humongous figures have been put forward mainly to incite the public, it is most unfortunate.”

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