ABUJA, Nigeria, April 8 (UPI) -- Critics complain the new head of the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. is tied to corruption dragging on the energy sector.
Acting Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan replaced NNPC chief Mohammed Barkindo with Shehu Laden, a former head of the national oil company. Laden was fired from his post at the NNPC by Umaru Yar'Adua, the Nigerian president who fell ill in November.
The dismissal of Barkindo was viewed by critics of the acting president as an inside move, the BBC reports. His opponents said Laden is linked to corruption that has dragged on the Nigerian energy sector.
Political uncertainty and militant activity in the oil-rich Niger Delta region is forcing international oil explorers to move cautiously in Nigeria as domestic production efforts limp along.
The BBC report said the reappointment is an effort to breathe new life into the NNPC.
The shuffling comes as Jonathon exercises his political authority after gaining executive powers in February. The first Cabinet under Jonathon was appointed Tuesday and lawmakers are calling for a move to declare ailing Yar'Adua incapacitated.
