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  • Court freezes ex-NNPCL boss, Kyari’s four bank accounts over alleged fraud

    Court freezes ex-NNPCL boss, Kyari’s four bank accounts over alleged fraud

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a temporary freezing of four accounts in Jaiz Bank linked to the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over alleged fraud.

    Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order yesterday while ruling on an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and argued by its lawyer, Ogechi Ujam.

    Although the EFCC had urged the court to freeze the accounts for 60 days to enable it to conclude the ongoing investigation, Justice Nwite limited the tenure of the order to 30 days, which he said could be renewed if necessary.

    Ujam had told the court that the temporary freezing order was necessary because the accounts were being investigated in a case of conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering involving Kyari, pending the conclusion of the investigation.

    The lawyer identified the four account numbers in Jaiz Bank as: 0017922724 with account name Mele Kyari; 0017922724 with account name Mele Kyari; 0018575055 with account name Guwori Community Development Fund; and 0018575141 with account name Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.

    In his ruling, Justice Nwite said: “I have listened to counsel to the applicant and gone through the affidavit evidence with the exhibits and the written address attached.

    “I find that this application is meritorious and it is hereby granted as prayed.”

    The judge adjourned till September 23 for the EFCC to report on further developments.

    The anti-graft commission predicated its motion on three grounds, to the effect that the bank accounts are subject matters of ongoing investigation by the commission concerning alleged misappropriation of funds and criminal breach of trust.

    The EFCC said its preliminary investigation revealed that the bank accounts are linked to the suspect, who took advantage of the complainant to be a contract facilitator and launderer of proceeds of unlawful activities.

    According to the commission, there is a need to preserve the funds in the identified bank accounts pending the conclusion of the investigation and possible prosecution.

    It stated, in a supporting affidavit, that officials of its Special Investigations Section (SIS) unit received a petition, dated April 24, and filed by a group, the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law, against Kyari.

    The EFCC said its investigation so far revealed, among others, “that N661,464,601.50, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, warehoused in four different accounts.

    “These funds were traced to the suspect, Mele Kolo Kyari, who is the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    “The suspect opened various accounts in Jaiz Bank, which has been used to receive suspicious inflows from NNPC and various oil companies that have dealings with NNPC.

    “Bank records revealed that these accounts are controlled and managed by Mr. Kyari through his family members who are acting as fronts.”

  • Alleged cocaine deal: Court orders Abba Kyari, others to enter defence

    Alleged cocaine deal: Court orders Abba Kyari, others to enter defence

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, ordered the suspended DCP Abba Kyari, and his co-defendants to enter their defence in the charge preferred against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    Justice Emeka Nwite, in separate rulings on their no-case submission applications, held that a prima face case had been made out against Kyari and other police officers in the charge.

    Kyari, the 1st defendant and a former head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Police was arrested on Feb. 14, 2022, after the NDLEA declared him wanted over alleged links to an international drug cartel.

    The suspended DCP and four members of the IRT–ACP Sunday J. Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspector Simon Agirgba and Inspector John Nuhu are being prosecuted on charges of  conspiracy to deal in 17.55kg of cocaine.

    They are also accused of dealing in cocaine without lawful authority; conspiracy to tamper with cocaine and unlawfully tampering with the 21.35kg of cocaine seized from two convicted drug dealers.

    On March 7, 2022, Kyari and others were arraigned alongside Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, the two suspected drug traffickers who were arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu by the officers.

    Upon arraignment, Kyari and four other defendants pleaded not guilty.

    However, Umeibe and Ezenwanne, the 6th and 7th defendants, pleaded guilty and were convicted accordingly.

    Although Kyari and others had, at one time, applied for bail, their application was rejected.

    After the NDLEA closed its case, each of the defendants opted for a no-case submission, arguing that no evidence had been adduced by the prosecution on which the court could convict them.

    Delivering the ruling, Justice Nwite held that with the state of evidence led so far by the prosecution, he was convinced that a prima facie case had been established against the defendants to require them to put forward their defence.

    Justice Nwite held the same view in the five separate rulings he delivered on Friday.

    In a ruling on Kyari’s application, the judge held that “assuming without conceding that the defendants were charged with less amount of cocaine that is lesser than 17.55 kg or more than that, it does not take away the fact that there is prima facie evidence that the 1st defendant dealt or tampered with cocaine.”

    He held that the argument of the 1st defendant’s lawyer on the need to sufficiently prove the amount of cocaine on the face of the charge is not the requirement of the law.

    He also held that there was nothing on the face of the section of the law, on which the defendants were charged, that states or provide different punishment as it relates to the quantity or amount of cocaine, whether the charge provides for 1 kilogram or more.

    According to the judge, in view of the foregoing, I am of the view and I so hold that a prima facie case has been made out against the 1st defendant in the five count charge and I hereby order him to enter his defence in all the five counts.

    The judge issued similar order in relation to the other four defendants.

    He consequently adjourned the matter untill May 21 for the defendants to open their defence.

  • NNPCL announces new management team after Kyari sack

    NNPCL announces new management team after Kyari sack

    The new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL), Mr Bayo Ojulari, has officially taken over the reins of the company from his predecessor, Mr Mele Kyari.

    Following the appointment of the new GCEO and Board of Directors, the NNPC Ltd. also announced the appointment of a new eight-man Senior Management Team.

    In a brief handover ceremony held at the NNPC Towers on Friday, the GCEO commended Kyari for his contributions to the growth of the NNPC Ltd. and his sterling service to the nation.

    Ojulari, in a statement by the NNPC Ltd. spokesperson, Mr Olufemi Soneye, said the objective of his management was to consolidate on the successes of his predecessor and take the company to the next level.

    He said he would rely on the cooperation of the management and staff of the company, as well as the counsel of his predecessor to achieve set targets.

    “I will be counting on your support. I will need it. I will be coming around to seek your counsel,” Ojulari said.
    Earlier in his remarks, Kyari congratulated Ojulari and thanked the management and staff of the company for their support while in office.

    He pledged to do everything within his power to support the new management to succeed, stressing that he was only a call away.

    In a similar development, following the appointment of the new GCEO and Board of Directors, the NNPC Ltd. also announced the appointment of a new eight-man Senior Management Team.

    Soneye said the team which would be headed by the GCEO, has Mr Rowland Ewubare as the Group Chief Operating Officer;  Mr Adedapo Segun as the Group Chief Financial Officer; and Mr Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President Gas, Power and New Energy.

    Other members of the team are: Udy Ntia as Executive Vice President Upstream; Mumuni Dangazau as Executive Vice President Downstream; Sophia Mbakwe as Executive Vice President Business Services; and

    Adesua Dozie, as Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer.

    NAN reports that all appointments are with immediate effect.

  • NNPCL welcomes new boss, board after Kyari sack

    NNPCL welcomes new boss, board after Kyari sack

    The Management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has welcomed the appointment of its new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mr Bayo Ojulari, and Board of Directors by President Bola Tinubu.

    Mr Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., in a statement on Wednesday appreciated the outgoing GCEO, Mr Mele Kyari, and the former Board Members for their selfless and dedicated service to the company and nation.

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday approved a reconstitution of the NNPC Ltd. board, removing the chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure and the GCEO Malam Mele Kyari.

    Tinubu removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.

    The new 11-man board has Mr Bayo Ojulari as the GCEO and Ahmadu Kida as non-executive chairman.

    He said that Kyari’s leadership and tireless efforts had left an indelible mark on the NNPC Ltd.

    “We are sincerely grateful for his outstanding contributions.

    “We wish him and all departing Board Members continued success and fulfilment in their future endeavours.

    Ojulari, the new GCEO, hails from Kwara State, and until his new appointment, was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company.

    His Renaissance recently led a consortium of indigenous energy firms in the landmark acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), worth $2.4 billion.

    Ojulari graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, worked for Elf Aquitaine as the first Nigerian process engineer to begin a stellar career in the oil sector.

    From Elf, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd in 1991 as an associate production technologist.

    Aside working in Nigeria, he worked in Europe and the Middle East in different capacities as a petroleum process and production engineer, strategic planner, field developer, and asset manager.

    In 2015, he became the managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).

    During his career, he was chairman and member of the board of trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council) and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

  • Tinubu sacks Kyari as NNPC boss, reconstitutes board

    Tinubu sacks Kyari as NNPC boss, reconstitutes board

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of Chief Pius Akinyelure, the chairman of the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. and Malam Mele Kyari, the group chief executive officer.

    Kyari was replaced by Mr Bashir Ojulari as Group CEO and Akinyelure was replaced by Mr Ahmadu Kida as non-executive chairman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement on Wednesday.

    Tinubu also removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.

    Mr Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Ajiya as the chief financial officer last November, has been appointed to the new board.

    Six board members, non-executive directors, representing the country’s geopolitical zones are: Bello Rabiu, North West; Yusuf Usman, North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG), who represents North Central.

    Tinubu also appointed Mr Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige as a non-executive director from the South West, and Henry Obih as a non-executive director from the South East.

    Mrs Lydia Jafiya, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

    The President invoked the powers granted under Section 59, subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, adding that all the appointments were with immediate effect.

    He said that the board’s restructuring was crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, and restoring investor confidence.

    Tinubu added that it would also boost local content, drive economic growth, and advance gas commercialisation and diversification.

    The President handed out an immediate action plan to the new board; to conduct a strategic portfolio review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture Assets.

    He said this would ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives.

    Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented oil sector reforms to attract investment. Last year, NNPC reported 17 billion dollars in new investments within the sector.

    “The administration now envisions increasing the investment to 30 billion dollars by 2027 and 60 billion dollars by 2030.

    ‘The Tinubu administration targets raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million daily by 2030.

    “Concurrently, the government wants gas production jacked to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030.”

    Tinubu charged the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030.

    The new board chairman, Kida, from Borno, is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1984.

    He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol (IFP) in Paris

    He started his career in the oil industry at Elf Petroleum Nigeria and later joined Total Exploration and Production as a trainee engineer in 1985.

    Kida became Total Nigeria’s Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services in 2015. Last year, he became an Independent Non-Executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group.

    Apart from his oil industry career, Kida is a former basketballer and the president of the Nigerian Basketball Federation(NBBF) board.

    Ojulari, the new NNPC Ltd. Group CEO, hails from Kwara.

    Until his new appointment, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company.

    Renaissance Africa Energy Company recently led a consortium of indigenous energy firms in the landmark acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), worth 2.4 billion dollars.

    Like Kida, Ojulari is also an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

    He worked for Elf Aquitaine as the first Nigerian process engineer to begin a stellar career in the oil sector.

    From Elf, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd in 1991 as an associate production technologist.

    Apart from working in Nigeria, he worked in Europe and the Middle East in different capacities as a petroleum process and production engineer, strategic planner, field developer, and asset manager.

    In 2015, he became the managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).

    Tinubu thanked the old board members for their dedicated service to NNPC Ltd.

    He commended them for their efforts in rehabilitating the old Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, and wished them well in their future endeavours.

  • Another headache for Kyari as more groups demand for his removal within 72hrs

    Another headache for Kyari as more groups demand for his removal within 72hrs

    Another headache for the embattled Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, as more groups have signed up to join the two million man protest against his continued occupation of the exalted office.

    This is coming at a time when some notable Niger Delta activists have issued 72 hours ultimatum for the sack of Kyari as the GCEO of the nation’s apex oil regulatory body, failure which would compel them to occupy the streets in Abuja and Port Harcourt.

    In a press statement signed and made available to newsmen Thursday morning by Comrade Jack Dickson and Barr. Kingsley Idono, President and Secretary, respectively, on behalf of Niger Delta Activists for Renewed Hope (NDARH), the group lamented the non functioning of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries, despite the trillions of naira injected for their rehabilitation, under Kyari.

    “The man Mele Kyari, with careful examination, should be the richest Nigerian and 2nd most powerful man in Nigeria, aside the President. What was his worth before he became the GCEO?

    “Even when he was just the GMD of NNPC, he was not this powerful, as his fate was dangling with the then President Muhammad Buhari. But the moment the Petroleum Investment Bill became an Act, Kyari became a demigod. He became so powerful that he believes no one could remove him – not even the President.

    “That’s why he continues to propound and promote all the obnoxious and anti people policies and actions that have kept Nigerians in perpetual hardship and anguish, and advertently frustrating the good intentions of the Minister of Petroleum, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and his Renewed Hope Agenda for the masses as promised.

    “Despite trillions of naira the government injected to making sure our refineries were rehabilitated, non is functioning and the man who should bury his head in shame and resign honourably, to give way to someone who would revive the plants from comatose and end incessant queues in our filing stations and crash the pump price to enable Nigerians smile again; has suddenly become more powerful than all Nigerians.

    “After shifting the goalposts constantly until the September 30 deadline he gave, Kyari has suddenly gone dumb. He has refused to address Nigerians on why the refineries are still not working, as he promised, despite the billions of dollars he received.

    “We in Niger Delta Activists for Renewed Hope will not keep quiet and allow an individual sabotage the agenda of Mr. President. We know how much we suffered to deliver this government in our region and Port Harcourt and Warri refineries were part of the promises we made to our people. Another election cycle is coming in 2027, we don’t know what to tell the people to win their votes again. That’s why we must all rise up to fight this ineptitude of Mele Kyari”, the statement reads.

    Meanwhile, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Corruption in Energy Sector, has confirmed that more organizations were indicating interest to join the ongoing protest against the NNPCL boss.

    Engr. Efe Irabor, the Spokesperson for the Coalition, while disclosing this in a statement on Wednesday, said Nigerians were already fed up with Kyari and his men, hence the national consciousness of the people to take their destiny in their own hands.

    “We shall continue to mobilize more people until we gather 10 million Nigerians to protest on the streets of Abuja, Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna. We have plenty Comrades coming to sign up on behalf of their organizations and we are happy that everyone is beginning to see reason with us that Kyari must go. If the President likes it, let him keep him, until his government becomes very unpopular and the international community starts sanctioning the Nigerian government for being responsible for whatever will become of all of us at the long run”, Irabor said.

    It would be recalled that, the coalition mobilized other Civil Society Groups and shut down National Assembly complex on Tuesday with the Kyari-Must-Go protest.

    The 2-million anti-Kyari protesters are demanding immediate resignation of the NNPCL boss, Kyari or his sack by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Tinubu, who also doubles as the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources.

  • Kyari: N/Delta youths to storm Abuja over failed promises on Port Harcourt refinery

    Kyari: N/Delta youths to storm Abuja over failed promises on Port Harcourt refinery

    Groups, under the aegis of Coalition of Niger Delta Youths Against Poverty, Insecurity & Environmental Degradation (CONDYAPIED), have expressed disappointment over failure of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, to operationalise the Port Harcourt Refinery before the end of September, 2024, as promised.

    The NNPCL Boss had severally assured Nigerians that the Port Harcourt refinery would start local refining and that prices of petroleum products would reduce drastically before the deadline of September 2024.

    One month later, neither of the Port Harcourt, Warri or Kaduna refineries is functioning, safe for only Dangote refinery, as marketers still import refined petroleum into the country, thereby causing serious hike in the price of the products.

    A press statement on Sunday, jointly signed by Engr. Jonas Igariga, Coordinator of the Coalition, and Comrade Jack Opobo, General Secretary, the Coalition called on Kyari to tender his resignation letter and apologize to Nigerians.

    “In a sane society where leaders have conscience, the likes of Mele Kyari should burry their heads in shame and tender their resignation and apologies to Nigerians for plunging the entire nation into untold hardship”, the Coalition said.

    The Coalition averred that, inspite of huge funds injected into the Port Harcourt refinery, Kyari prefers importation of refined products, to making local refinery operational, despite his many promises.

    “The NNPCL GCEO has failed Nigerians, times without number, on the issue of Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri refineries, after blowing over 3 billion dollars on the project. It has been discovered that Mele Kyari and his goons have no plans to fix any refinery as they prefer to import adulterated products into the country and milk the citizens dry.

    “NNPCL cabal and their importers are deliberately sabotaging the good intentions of President Tinubu by making sure there are queues and Nigerians buy the product at any price fixed and given to them by the oil Lords. We shall not fold our hands and allow this to happen”, the statement added.

    According to the statement, several warnings had gone to Kyari in the past, to fulfill his promise by making sure the Port Harcourt refinery became operational in September; but to no avail.

    “We read the statement signed by the Coalition of Niger Delta Youth On Energy Reforms and Transparency in the Oil and Gas Sector, urging Kyari to ensure that the Port Harcourt Refinery became operational before the end of September as he promised.

    “The group expressed concern about the energy crisis in the country caused by the non-functionality of local refineries, continued dependence on the importation of petroleum products, and the resulting cost implications for the country.

    “They noted that the failure of NNPC has further worsened the country’s energy crisis and impoverished the people of the oil-producing Niger Delta.

    “The group alleged that the Port Harcourt refinery is being planned to be converted into a blending plant. They claimed that substandard petroleum products from Russia will be mixed with chemicals and sold to the people of the Niger Delta.

    “This is basically our fear too. We at the CONDYAPIED are not only concerned about the corruption going on at the NNPCL, but we are grately worried over the plan to convert the Port Harcourt refinery to a mere blending plant. We shall resist this with all our might. We shall shut down Abuja in protest, in the coming weeks, and occupy the NNPC towers until the needful is done.

    “We will not allow our refinery to be converted to blending plant, because we are aware of the potential environmental degradation and terrible impacts on our people. This move could expose the people of Niger Delta to harmful chemicals from environmental pollutions and degradation caused by the waste products released into the environment, if it is allowed”, the Coalition submitted.

  • Just in: VP Shettima summons Lokpobiri, Kyari, NSA

    Just in: VP Shettima summons Lokpobiri, Kyari, NSA

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has summoned the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

    Also summoned on Thursday at the Presidential Villa is the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu over the recent hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol.

    The Vice President is meeting with the trio in his office at the State House, Abuja.

    NNPCL on Tuesday increased the pump price of petrol from ₦568 to ₦855, ₦897 (depending on the location per litre) amid lingering fuel scarcity and the country’s crisis.

    Private suppliers already sold fuel at higher prices than the NNPCL. Some were selling at 1,200 naira per litre on Wednesday.

    The price increase came a day after NNPC acknowledged it was struggling to maintain fuel supplies because of financial difficulties.

    In Lagos, Abuja and the northern city of Kano on Wednesday, some private petrol stations were closed while huge lines of cars waited overnight outside NNPC fuel stations.

    Several Nigerians and groups have condemned the NNPCL’s hike in fuel prices amid the hardship and economic realities the citizens face.

    Among them is the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), arguing that the increment would compound the misery of Nigerians.

    NLC President, Joe Ajaero, condemned the fuel price hike and accused the government of betraying the labour movement.

    He demanded an immediate reversal in the price of petrol.

  • Crude oil probe: Don’t allow enemies of Nigeria truncate good works of Kyari, 92 CSOs tell Tinubu

    Crude oil probe: Don’t allow enemies of Nigeria truncate good works of Kyari, 92 CSOs tell Tinubu

    A coalition of 92 Civil Society Organizations, CSOs on Wednesday told President Bola Tinubu not to allow enemies of Nigeria truncate the good works of NNPCL Group Managing Director, GMD, Mele Kyari.

    Hear the coalition:

    “The coalition under the umbrella of Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption and led by its Director General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu explained in vivid details the sterling qualities of the GMD who rose through the rank to the pinnacle.

    “We gather here today as representatives of various Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria under the aegis of Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption to address some critical issues pertaining to corruption within the Nigerian economy and the ongoing deliberations surrounding the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari.

    “As a coalition, we have conducted an independent verification and fact-finding exercise on Mallam Mele Kyari, and the results have brought to light some remarkable revelations about his leadership and contributions to NNPC Limited and the Nigerian economy as a whole.

    “Mallam Mele Kyari’s journey with NNPC began in 1991, and he has risen through the ranks to his current position as Group Chief Executive Officer. Under his guidance, NNPC Limited has undergone a significant transformation, with a relentless focus on operational efficiency and productivity that has resulted in increased crude oil production and reserve growth.

    “These achievements have greatly contributed to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development.

    “Furthermore, Mallam Kyari has strengthened strategic partnerships with both local and international stakeholders. This collaborative approach has fostered growth and innovation, positioning NNPC Limited as a premier energy company in Africa and earning widespread respect within the global oil and gas industry.

    “Recognizing the need for sustainable energy solutions, Mallam Kyari has demonstrated foresight and adaptability by expanding NNPC Limited’s portfolio and investments in renewable energy and gas development. These initiatives are crucial for diversifying Nigeria’s energy sector and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

    “Additionally, Mallam Kyari has placed great emphasis on transparency and accountability, implementing robust corporate governance practices that promote integrity and foster trust among stakeholders.

    ” His commitment to eradicating corruption within NNPC Limited is unwavering, creating an organization that maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corrupt practices.

    “Now, let us address the allegations being made against Mallam Mele Kyari. It is crucial to reiterate that in our justice system, every individual is assumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.

    “We firmly believe in upholding the principles of due process, and any allegations should be diligently investigated and proven beyond all reasonable doubt. It is neither our place nor the media’s to pass judgment based on unproven allegations.

    “It is important to note that Mallam Mele Kyari’s achievements and contributions to NNPC Limited and the Nigerian economy far outweigh the allegations made against him.

    “Dismissing him would not only be counterproductive but would also hinder the remarkable progress made under his leadership. Such a decision would disrupt the sustainable economic reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    It is crucial to emphasize that Nigeria’s economy heavily relies on oil and gas, categorizing it as a mono-economy. Removing an exceptional expert like Mallam Mele Kyari during these challenging times would be detrimental to the nation’s progress. His extensive knowledge and unwavering commitment to the oil and gas sector have been consistently demonstrated throughout his tenure.

    “We, therefore, call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the greater good of Nigeria and make an informed decision regarding the leadership of NNPC Limited. By retaining Mallam Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer, we can ensure stability, growth, and sustainability within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

    “In conclusion, we stand united in confidence and support for Mallam Mele Kyari, recognizing his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to NNPC Limited. We implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the achievements and progress made under his guidance. Retaining Mallam Kyari is crucial for the continued growth and development of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

  • Fifty lawmakers throw their weight behind Kyari, Farouk, caution panel to be partial

    Fifty lawmakers throw their weight behind Kyari, Farouk, caution panel to be partial

    Fifty members of the House of Representatives on Thursday threw their weight behind Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mele Kyari and the Chief Executive of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.

    The lawmakers faulted the calls for the removal of Kyari and Farouk and described the move as premature and done in and fate.

    The lawmakers led by Hon. Billy Famous Osawaru ( Edo State) said the call for the sacking of Kyari when an investigation is currently being carried out was an action that is against parliamentary culture.

    Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese had asked President Bola Tinubu to immediately dismiss Kyari for allegdly stifling the economy’s growth due to the oil sector crisis.

    Agbese had also called on the President to sack Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and other inherited appointees.

    But reacting to the call, Osawaru, during a press briefing, said it was against parliamentary culture to call for the sacking of an official of government when an investigation involving such person had not been concluded.

    He said it is in the parliamentary culture to afford parties in the investigation of the right for fair hearing and called on the committee handling the probe to be impartial.

    He said, “Nigerians will recall hike in fuel prices and associated challenges are fundamental concerns. The House of Representatives vide its resolutions mandated the joint committee of the house on Midstream and Downstream Petroleum to investigate issues in the oil and gas sector.

    “We are aware that investigation is ongoing and final decision has not been reached. However, our attention has been drawn to some media reports calling for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL and the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA while the above investigation is subsisting.

    “We wish to state that it is in the parliamentary culture to afford parties in an investigation that right to fair hearing. Therefore, the cal for removal of anyone while investigation is pending is premature.

    “We Therefore call on all Nigerians to be patient and law abiding in expectation of a better Nigeria.”

    The lawmakers also expressed concern about the ongoing protests in the country, saying they converged to furtherappraise the situation as it affects the well-being of Nigerians.

    They appealed for calm and begged all Nigerians to bring the protests to an end.

    He added, “Today, the 1st of August, 2024, no less than 50 members of the House of Representatives who are deeply concerned about the ongoing protests have converged to further appraise the situation as it affects the well-being of Nigerians.

    “First, we wish to commend the efforts of the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, under the leadership of Right Honorable Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, for convening the youth dialogue to douse the tensions surrounding the scheduled protests.

    ” Having observed the nationwide protests, we commend the youths and Nigerians in general for the manner they have conducted themselves. We appeal for calm while imploring all Nigerians to bring the protests to an end.”

     

    ENDS