By Abankula
President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to the late NNPC GMD, Maikanti Baru, describing him a reformer, who brought the firm to speed with global best practices.
Buhari gave the tribute in a condolence message to family, friends and professional colleagues of Baru.
Baru died in Abuja on Friday night, less than a year after he retired from NNPC in July last year.
The President also commiserated with the government and people of Bauchi State.
Buhari noted that Baru worked very hard to initiate reforms in virtually all departments of the of the corporation, bringing it up to speed with global trends and best practices.
President Buhari also acknowledged Dr Baru’s contributions to ensuring stability in the oil sector in Nigeria.
Under his administration, there was a more guaranteed supply and predictable price regime of petrol in the country.
This, he said, weakened unscrupulous parallel marketers, especially during festive seasons.
The President prayed that the almighty God will receive the soul of the departed, grant eternal rest, and comfort all who mourn him.
Baru was born in Misau, Bauchi state on 7 July 1959.
He had his secondary education at Federal Government College, Jos and graduated in 1978.
He later went to Ahmadu Bello University for s Bachelor’s degree in engineering. He graduated in 1982.
Baru also went to University of Sussex in the UK for a doctorate in Computer Aided Engineering.
He began his working life at Jos Steel Rolling Company and later joined the NNPC in 1988.
May God comfort members of his family.