Coalition backs calls on ex-NNPC chief, Wunti to join Bauchi Gov’ship contest

By Samuel Luka

The Bauchi state Coalition of Christian Youth and Elders in Politics has called on the immediate past Group General Manager, Health Safety Security and Environment (HSSE) at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Malam Bala Maijama’a Wunti to answer the several calls on him by groups and individuals to join the league of contestants for the Bauchi Governorship ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A press statement made available to newsmen e-signed by the Coalition’s Secretary, Comrade Danladi Audu, observed since the successful exit of the immediate past Group General Manager, Health Safety Security and Environment (HSSE), the political scene has been washed with reminiscent of his philanthropical gesture, with many well-meaning Nigerians, especially, Bauchi people calling on him to join the governorship contest of the state.

“We look forward with great hope that he will heed the people’s call and offer himself once again for service, this time to the land that raised him”, the Coalition said.

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While describing Bala Wunti as a visionary leader, and patriotic Nigerian, the Coalition recalled that Wunti’ who bows out after decades of sterling service to Nigeria through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) had many Nigerians testifying his good deeds.

According to the Coalition, “Wunti’s exit from public service signals not an end, but the dawn of a new chapter of even greater impact, particularly for the good people of Bauchi State”.

The press statement added that, over the course of his career, Bala Wunti held several key positions within the NNPCL, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sector.

The Coalition said as Group General Manager, Health Safety Security and Environment (HSSE), Bala Wunti was a steadfast guardian of environmental safety and public welfare whose various positions he held contributed immensely to Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector.

“As daunting the NNPCL is, Wunti, an intelligent and dedicated Bauchi man, took time to navigate successfully in all the positions he held while in active service and carried out such tremendous responsibility for Nigeria’s economy”, Comrade Danladi.

On the global front, the Coalition recalled that Wunti represented Nigeria and NNPC at key international platforms like OPEC and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), broadening his exposure to global energy diplomacy and policy-making, a task he carried out professionally and diligently.

“In his final months as Chief HSE Officer, he led transformative projects, such as Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) rebranding; the Incident Management Reporting Application Plus (IMRA+), which replaced the limited MySafety application; the Fire Extinguisher Management System (FEMS), and the extensively updated NNPC HSE Policy and Process Guidelines (HPPG)”, the press statement pointed out.

It said Malam Bala Wunti’s leadership extended beyond corporate boardrooms and was a key national figure in the review and amendment of the 1993 Deep Offshore Act, a reform that has significantly improved Nigeria’s revenue from oil production.

The coalition also observed that despite the national responsibilities he held, Wunti never forgot his roots, as such, his country home Bauchi State benefited immensely from his tireless community development efforts.

According to the group, his ‘Wunti Al-khair Foundation’ transformed lives of thousands of people across the state in the areas of educational support, medical interventions, skills acquisition and youth empowerment.

Others include, agricultural development through free fertilizer distribution, access to clean water via solar-powered boreholes, community lighting with solar installations, Ramadan feeding programs, support for religious institutions and cultural heritage.

The press release also noted that the Christian community in the state was not left out, as Wunti always considered Christians during Christmas festivities.

Comrade Danladi who stated that Wunti’s interventions also extended to construction of Bauchi Central Eid ground, Construction of Sheik Dahiru Bauchi Islamic Center, renovation of graveyards and mosques, described the effort as not just charity but a reflection of leadership that listens, acts, and delivers.

“It is no surprise, therefore, that calls are growing louder across all 20 Local government areas of Bauchi state, urging Malam Bala Wunti to contest for the office of Governor in 2027”, the Coalition said.

The press statement said: “the people have seen his capacity. They have felt his impact. They believe in his vision”.

The group stressed that Wunti is fully equipped with the knowledge, experience, and passion to transform Bauchi State and that his grasp of governance, strategic planning, infrastructural development, and social empowerment are exactly what Bauchi needs to move into a new era of progress and prosperity.

“While congratulating Malam Bala Wunti, a worthy son of the soil on his successful retirement, we pray that the next chapter of his life will be more impactful on lives of Bauchi people than never before. May God Almighty bless him for all his philanthropic gesture”, the Coalition prayed.