A coalition of civil society organisations, including the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption (COCSOAC), Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora (NPID), and Bloggers, has condemned the recent calls for the removal of Mele Kyari as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The coalition described the accusations as baseless and motivated by corrupt interests seeking to undermine the significant progress Kyari has made in the oil and gas sector.
During a press conference in Abuja, the coalition leaders, including Kenneth Emea of Bloggers, Oluwatoyin Animashaun of NPID, and Mohammed Abdullahi of COCSOAC, expressed their support for Kyari’s leadership.
They highlighted his efforts in transforming NNPCL into a more transparent and efficient entity, saving billions in government funds, and positioning Nigeria to compete with global oil giants.
Kyari’s leadership, they stated, has driven crucial reforms, such as the transition of NNPC into a limited liability company, enhancing its financial viability and operational efficiency. Additionally, his work in tackling oil theft through strategic partnerships with security agencies has contributed significantly to enhancing Nigeria’s revenue base.
The coalition expressed disappointment in those who have sought to discredit Kyari, suggesting that the calls for his removal are orchestrated by individuals benefiting from the previous corrupt practices in the sector. They urged President Bola Tinubu to reject these demands, stressing that the reforms Kyari has implemented are essential for the continued development of the sector and the nation’s economic stability.
“We stand in firm support of Mele Kyari and urge the President not to yield to these unfounded demands. Nigeria cannot afford to reverse the gains made in the oil sector,” said the statement.
“Kyari’s leadership is crucial for the progress of the sector, and we call on all Nigerians, both home and abroad, to support the reforms he has championed.”
Amalgamated Arewa youth groups condemn protests against Kyari
Meanwhile, the Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups condemned the recent protests calling for Kyari’s dismissal, particularly the claim that fuel queues justified the demand.
Comrade Victor Duniya, the publicity secretary of the group, stated that the protest was a clear case of internal sabotage orchestrated by individuals within NNPCL who felt threatened by Kyari’s success.
“We have reliable information suggesting that the sponsors of the protest are some top management staff of the NNPCL who feel the sterling career of Mele Kyari is stunting their growth. Hence, eliminating him from the position is the only assurance for their growth,” Duniya said.
“This is a clear case of internal sabotage, which must be investigated, and the culprit should be brought to book for unethical conduct.”
The group criticised the use of fuel queues as the basis for the protest, calling the narrative inaccurate and misleading. “This misleading narrative serves to obfuscate the real challenges facing the oil industry in Nigeria,” they said.
“The motivations behind this protest seem deeply entrenched in personal interest rather than collective welfare. The protests are based on misleading narratives and serve to undermine the significant reforms Kyari has implemented.”
Arewa youth groups pledge support for Kyari’s leadership
In a separate development, the Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups affirmed their support for Kyari, emphasising the need for experienced leadership to tackle the challenges facing the oil sector. “We must not be swayed by the actions of a few who seek to monopolise the industry for personal gain,” the statement concluded.
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