Groups, including the Civil Society Network on Economic and Social Advancement (CSNOESA), Arewa Transformational Leaders (ATL), Christians and Muslims Leaders of Nigeria (CAMLON), Afenifere Intelligence (AI), and Nzuko Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, have called on President Bola Tinubu to give the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, the boot over the latter’s apparent inability to stem the lingering fuel crisis in the country.
Addressing a joint press conference at a hotel in Abuja, the Convener, Ndubusi Nwogu, noted that the ongoing investigation by the National Assembly and Mele Kyari’s explanation on the NNPCL and Aliko Dangote faceoff were not enough to stop Nigerians from expressing their views on a matter of national importance such as the fuel supply crisis plaguing the nation, insisting that the immediate removal of Kyari from his position as NNPC GMD would be in the best interest of the country as Mr. Kyari would appear to have lost too much of his personal steam and the confidence of most Nigerians to continue in office.
“Under the leadership of Kyari, we have witnessed a series of alarming developments that have deeply concerned and outraged the Nigerian people,” Nwogu said. “First, the persistent fuel scarcity that has plagued the country for the two years under Mele Kyari’s is a clear indication of the mismanagement and lack of transparency within the NNPCL.
“Second, we are deeply concerned by the allegations of corruption and financial impropriety that have been leveled against Mallam Kyari and his administration.
“Third, we are alarmed by the reports of nepotism and favoritism within the NNPCL’s hiring and promotion practices, which is a blatant disregard for the principles of fairness, equality, and inclusive governance that should be the hallmark of a truly responsive and representative institution.
“We are also deeply concerned about the NNPCL’s actions that have directly stifled the growth and development of the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
“Lastly, we are deeply disturbed by the recent report from Alhaji Aliko Dangote, which revealed that the NNPCL had invested only 7.2 percent in the Dangote Refinery project, a stark contrast to the public statement made by the NNPCL, which claimed a 20 percent stake in the refinery
“We, therefore, call for the immediate removal of Mallam Mele Kyari from his position as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL as his continued leadership poses a grave threat to the integrity and efficiency of this vital institution,” the stressed.
The groups also threatened to stage a two-day protest, starting on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the National Assembly, and continuing on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the NNPCL headquarters if nothing was done about their request.Â
“We have mobilized over 2,000 groups from across the country to join us in this call for change and accountability,” Nwogu disclosed. “We urge the federal government to heed our demands and take immediate action to address the issues we have raised.”
