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Mele Kyari, The Stolen 48Million Barrels Of Bonny Light Crude, 4.8Billion Dollars Accruing Thereto, And The Dance Of Macabre

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On the 19th of October, 2023 under the aegis of The National Coalition Of Civil Society Organizations Against Inept Leadership, we brought to the nation and the world through a World Press Conference the fact that 48 million barrels of Bonny Light Crude Oil valued at 4.8 Billion Dollars was stolen and sold under the watch of Mele Kyari as the Group General Manager Crude Oil Marketing Division of the NNPC now NNPCL.

The content of the Press Conference was liberally used by the online media, whereas no thanks to the self-censorship of the terrestrial media a little segment of the main stream media gave attention to the humongous details outlined by the Whistleblower Dr George Uboh and the Team of Patriots committed to ensuring that Nigeria works for the good of all.

Interestingly rather than respond to the issues of the Press Conference addressed by the Team of Patriots, and take steps to return the 4.8 Billion Dollars accruing to the nation from the stolen 48 million barrels of Bonny Light Crude Oil stored in China, Alhaji Mele Kyari the Group CEO of NNPCL procured a select team of Civil Society operators who through a Falsehood ladened Press Conference sort to divert public opinion and attention from the grave issues of economic sabotage, oil theft, unconscionable thieving of our collective patrimony and depletion of the resources that should accrue to the nation.

In the text of the Press Statement released by the Pro Larceny ditto the Pro Mele Kyari agitators they alleged that a certain Billionaire Whistleblower was blackmailing the NNPCL Group CEO Mele Kyari, that through a Serving Senator the matter had been settled (you wonder what matter was settled) and that the Whistleblower was out to blackmail the NNPCL to stop the ongoing repair work at the Port Harcourt Refinery.

Do you not wonder how a call to return 4.8 Billion Dollars that should accrue to the nation, give life to our economy, and make life better for the masses of our people, translates to a spurious call to stop the Turnaround Maintenance of our Refineries?

We are interested in putting the records straight, and without an ounce of equivocation, we are calling on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to call the Group CEO of NNPCL to order, and compel him and the NNPCL to return forthwith the 4.8 billion dollars accruing to the nation through the sale by him and his proxies of the Stolen 48 million barrels of Bonny Light Crude Oil stored in China amongst others.

Recall that a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana once alleged that 50 million barrels of Nigeria’s Crude Oil was sold in Pennsylvania USA, whereas in Nigeria where the alleged Crude Oil emanated from there was no record of such, whatsoever.

In the present instance we have a valid Court Order compelling Mele Kyari in his personal capacity to disclose and publish in the Public Interest the proceeds of the Sale of the 48 million barrels of Bonny Light Crude Oil stolen in Nigeria and stored in China.

We ask the Group CEO of NNPCL Alhaji Mele Kyari to within 7 working days release the name and details of the Serving Senator who is allegedly in the middle of the so-called blackmail of the Group CEO of NNPCL, and how that relates to Dr George Uboh a credible Whistleblower who has saved the nation the loss of several billions of Naira and Dollars through the years of his commitment to the fight against corruption.

Upon the expiration of the 7 days notice we shall be compelled to proceed to Court to pursue a libel proceeding against those who seek to malign the just and the patriotic. We shall also engage with the ever boisterous civil society to protest the thieving of our collective patrimony by those entrusted with the management of the NNPC.

In the coming days we shall stop at nothing in ensuring that the monies that accrue to Nigeria wherever so hidden by the enemies of Nigeria are traced, we shall inform Nigerians about this through Press Conferences, Press Statements and other Media Interventions, and we shall take every Legal steps conceivable, including but not limited to litigation and protests to ensure that no one profiteers unlawfully from our commonwealth.

We are resolutely committed to helping and supporting the recalibration of the nation’s economy by Government, and we believe that in concert with the relevant agencies of Government dedicated to the Recovery of Funds that accrue to our nation we can help to free up over 300 billion US Dollars in various hideouts across the world.

This is our promise and commitment, therefore let no Mele Kyari, Godwin Emefiele and Co. seek to clothe Patriots committed to a new era of responsible and responsive management of our collective wealth in bad robes because it won’t stick.

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVEMENT.

James Ezema
Deputy Publicity Secretary
Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP)

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Protest Rocks South West As Yoruba Youths, CSOs, Others Demand Immediate Sack, Probe NNPCL’s GCEO Mele Kyari

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Protesting Yoruba youths, civil society organisations (CSOs) non governmental organisation (NGOs), under the aegis of the Yoruba Youth Network (YYN), the South West Blossom Brigade (SBB), the Odua Youth Frontiers, the Yoruba Youth Empowerment Forum (YYEF) And fourteen other youth organizations and CSOs in a Mega Coalition Movement, are demanding the immediate sack of Mele Kyari as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and deep interrogation of allegations of monumental corruption entrenched in the NNPCL under his leadership.

At their rally and press conference in Lagos, South West of Nigeria on Thursday, the groups listed numerous cases of financial impropriety against Kyari, including fuel subsidy scams, under-remittance of oil sales revenue, corruption, shady pipeline surveillance contracts, and oil theft.

The Mega Coalition Movement said that they are deeply concerned about the instability of the prices of petroleum products resulting from the somersault in policies on.

Address the media, Olukayode James of the Yoruba Youth Network (YYN) and Oluwaseun Jesugbaiye of the South West Blossom Brigade (SBB) as well as Olayinka Oshinowo of Odua Youth Frontiers (OYF) and Femi Ayebiele of the Yoruba Youth Empowerment Forum (YYEF), said that “among the numerous cases of financial impropriety against Kyari is the deduction of N2.1 trillion from the monthly revenue of NNPC, which was not remitted to the Federation Account.

“Additionally, Kyari is believed to be responsible for the supply of adulterated or bad fuel that entered the country in 2022, causing damage to many vehicle engines and generators.

“These allegations of massive corruption and fraudulent diversion of billions of dollars to personal and cronies’ accounts must be thoroughly investigated, and Kyari should be prosecuted if found”, they said.

On the due process and transparency in Kyari’s appointment, the protesters said “We would like to highlight that the appointment of Engr Mele Kyari as GCEO of NNPCL did not follow due process as enshrined in the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

“Considering that NNPCL recently transitioned to a private company in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA Act, 2021), it is no longer allowed to have recourse to state funds.

“Its shares and assets, including oil blocks and refineries, are now held by the Ministries of Petroleum and Finance. However, NNPCL has failed to operate as a Joint Production Venture (JPV) with Western Oil Majors (WOM), as required by law.

“Furthermore, the NNPCL has not been transparent in publishing its crude oil contracts and statements of accounts under Engr Mele Kyari’s leadership.

“Lack of Remittances to the Federation Account
In 2022, Kyari and the NNPC management failed to remit any funds to the Federation Account for seven consecutive months.

“Despite Nigeria recording N16 trillion in oil sales during that year, the NNPC did not make any remittances. This lack of financial responsibility is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the management of the company’s revenues.

“Kyari must explain how these funds were spent and provide transparency regarding the companies that received subsidy payments”, the protesters said.

On matters regarding restoration, transparency and accountability in the Federal Government owned oil company, “As concerned and patriotic citizens, we believe that the government should be interested in knowing the true nature of NNPCL’s oil production contracts and remittances to the Federation Account, as well as the transparency of pipeline surveillance contracts awarded by the NNPCL in line with global best practices.

“We had expected the President Tinubu administration to insist on the implementation of the PIA or the PIB Act, not only to sack and probe Engr Mele Kyari but also other key figures in the NNPCL, such as the Executive Vice President (Upstream), Adokiye Tombomieye, Managing Director Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Ali Muhammed Zahra, and the Managing Director National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NPIMS), Bala Wunti.

“This comprehensive action is necessary to clean up the corruption and decay within the NNPCL”, the groups.

Speaking on inconsistencies in government actions, the protesters said that “It is unfortunate that Engr Mele Kyari, who allegedly shortchanged every Nigerian through under-remittance to the Federation Account, has been allowed to remain in charge of the NNPCL, while heads of other important departments and agencies, such as the CBN and EFCC, have been sacked, arrested, and probed.

“This raises the question of why the case of the NNPCL led by Engr Mele Kyari is being treated differently. If the government is genuinely committed to fighting financial malfeasance, oil theft, dubious pipeline surveillance contracts, fuel subsidy scams, under-remittance to the Federation Account, abnormalities, and lack of transparency in the NNPCL, then Engr Mele Kyari should not be allowed to continue in his position.

On their demand for the removal of Kyari as the NNPCL GCEO, the protesting South West groups insisted that “It is evident to most Nigerians that there has been no significant increase in oil production and remittance to the Federation Account since Engr Mele Kyari assumed the position of GCEO of the NNPCL.

“Therefore, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take action and fire and probe Engr Mele Kyari.

“This is crucial for the transparency, accountability, and development of the Nigerian petroleum industry.
Given the numerous allegations of financial improprieties and the lack of accountability within the NNPC under Kyari’s leadership, it is imperative that he be removed from his position.

“The Federal Government must take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that those responsible for corruption and embezzlement are held accountable.

“The Nigerian people deserve transparency, accountability, and a leadership that prioritizes the country’s economic stability and the well-being of its citizens.

“It is crucial to address these allegations, conduct a thorough investigation, and prosecute those responsible for corruption and fraudulent practices.

“Restoring transparency, accountability, and financial stability within the NNPC is essential for the well-being of the Nigerian economy and its citizens”, the protesters said.

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Pan-Northern Group Demands Review of N-Power Suspension

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The ProActive Northern Initiative (PANI) has has condemned the federal government’s suspension of the N-Power program or any part of the Social Investment Program and any person directly or remotely connected to the damaging decision.

“We demand that the government immdiately reconsiders its decision and instead invests in expanding the N-Power program to provide opportunities for the youth, fostering positive change, and ultimately contributing to the region’s progress,” Comrade Isa Aliyu Musa, convener of the Group said in statement read at a press conference in Kaduna on Sunday.

The Group also demanded the immediate sacking of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu and others who might have had roles in the advising the federal government to suspend the N-Power program.

“We emphatically repudiate the vilification of our respected northern leadership for whatever reason or justification.

“In this light, we deem the targeting of our leaders past and present, for vilification, systematic dehumanization, profiling, alienation or any action that will render them object of ridicule, not only immoral and illegal, but also abhorrent to our sensibilities and ordinary decency and therefore unacceptable,” Musa said.

The Group said it is especially saddening for the Nigerian government heed to the advice of Minister Edu whom they described as a novice in governance to suspend the N-Power program which has been instrumental in providing employment and skills development opportunities for many young Nigerians, particularly in the north.

“N-Power is a social investment scheme set up by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 under the supervision the then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and transfered in 2019 to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management under Sadiya Umar Farouq.

“As Minister, Farouk made several achievements. One of the key achievements of the ministry under her is the successful launch of the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) through which various social intervention programs are implemented.

These programs include the N-Power program, the National Home-Grown School Feeding Program, Conditional Cash Transfer, and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program.

“Her tenure also saw significant progress made in other areas. For instance, the ministry worked to improve access to education for children affected by conflict and emergencies through its Safe School Initiative.

“Additionally, the ministry launched a program aimed at addressing malnutrition among children under five years old. The program provided nutrition supplements and education on healthy feeding practices to mothers and caregivers.

“Another notable achievement of the ministry was the prompt intervention in supporting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the northeast region.

The ministry provided relief materials, food items, shelter, and non-food items to the IDPs. They also deployed humanitarian workers to provide psychosocial support to the affected individuals.
“The Ministry was also able to leverage digital technology towards improving services delivery and ensuring transparency. The NSIP, for example, deployed technology to register and monitor beneficiaries to reduce fraud and improve the accountability of the intervention,” Musa recalled.

The Group lamented that suddenly, the federal government announced it will suspend the N-Power programme indefinitely for proper investigation and restructuring.

“In the process, history is being shamefully and blatantly reviewed, rewritten and falsified to suit certain agendas that tend to portray the former Minister and, by extention, the respected Northern leadership in bad light and render them as the culprit and the guilty entity,” the Group said.

It clarified that while it acknowledges the need to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in government programs, we believe that the suspension of the N-Power program at this critical time will have adverse effects on the livelihoods of many young Nigerians who have come to rely on the program for their sustenance.

“Empowering the youth through the N-Power program not only equips them with the necessary skills for employment but also instills a sense of purpose and direction. By keeping the youth engaged in productive activities, the program helps to deter them from engaging in criminal activities or becoming susceptible to extremist ideologies.

“The fragile security situation in Northern Nigeria is already a major concern for the government and the international community. The region has been plagued by terrorist attacks, kidnapping, and other forms of violence for years. The N-Power program was seen as a way to address the underlying economic and social factors that contribute to the insecurity in the region.

“The suspension of the N-Power program leaves a void that can potentially be filled by negative influences, further exacerbating the security challenges faced by the region.

“The suspension of the N-Power program in northern Nigeria, coupled with the government’s lack of capacity and political will to address the insecurity crisis, poses significant challenges to the region’s development and stability. The program’s aim to empower the youth and keep them focused and disciplined in pursuing credible goals is crucial in combating the prevailing insecurity.

“The suspension of the N-Power program by the Nigerian government is likely to have a negative impact on the fragile security situation in Northern Nigeria. The N-Power program was a youth empowerment program that aimed to address the high unemployment rate in the country.

“The suspension of the program could therefore result in a further deterioration of the security situation in Northern Nigeria. The youth who were engaged in the program may feel that they have no other options but to join criminal or terrorist groups as a way to earn a living. This could lead to an increase in the number of attacks and other violent incidents in the region.

“The people of Northern Nigeria deserve a better and meaningful life, and it is the duty of the government to ensure that their needs are met.

“It is time for all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and civil society organizations, to work together towards improving the lives of the people and once and for all get rid of the poverty tag hanging over Northern Nigeria. official breakdown of the beneficiaries in the 19 northern states below,” Musa pointed out.

Citing what it called official data, that shows that 847,287 young people from the North have benefited from the N-Power, he lamented that they are now rendered jobless and therefore susceptible to negative influences.

“Instead of suspending the program, the government should focus on expanding its reach and impact. By investing in the N-Power program, the government can provide more opportunities for skill development, job creation, and financial support to a larger number of youth. This expansion would not only contribute to the economic growth of the region but also foster a sense of hope and optimism among the youth, reducing their vulnerability to extremist ideologies.

“Few events had confirmed to the northern elite and people that the region is being being abandoned by this administration at the mercy of a rampaging criminality with policies calculated and designed continuously weaken the North politically and pauperize it economically than the abrupt suspension of this particular program.

“The suspension came at a critical time when hunger is stalking millions of homes, inflation is making life difficult by the day, people are losing jobs, businesses are closing down.

“Infrastructure is decaying, young Nigerians losing hope of being employed, hospitals filled with people who suffer mysterious illnesses, and cannot afford the fees” Musa concluded.

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Massive Mele Kyari Must Go Protest Rocks Warri As Niger Deltans Want Tinubu To Sack, Probe NNPCL’s GCEO

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Niger Delta people in their numbers stormed the streets in a peaceful protest rally calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately sack and probe Engr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer Of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The protesters yesterday matched through the major Warri\Sapele Road to the Warri zonal office the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Delta State.

The rally was organised by 26 youth and civil society organisations (CSOs) under the umbrella of the Niger-Delta Coalition.

Some of the leaders included the National Coordinator, Niger Delta Youth Alliance (NDYA), Comrade Oris Bakpa; the President, Niger Delta Youth Empowerment Network (NDYEN), Comrade Elvis Abebiyein; the Regional Coordinator, South-South United Youth Association (SSUYA), Comrade Peter Okprgboro; the National Chairwoman, Niger Delta Women for Change (NDWC), Comrade Bridget Oghenekohwo, among others.

The Coalition said, “We, the Niger-Delta Coalition, a conglomerate comprising 26 dynamic youth associations, in conjunction with several distinguished Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), stand united in expressing our profound apprehension regarding the alleged financial improprieties, misuse of authority, lack of vision, poor performance and autocratic conduct exhibited by Engr. Mele Kyari during his tenure as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

“As concerned and dedicated citizens of the Niger-Delta region, we fervently implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action to remove him from office and
institute a comprehensive inquiry into his conducts.
Nigeria is often characterized as a nation blessed with abundant oil resources.

“Nevertheless, a glaring deficiency within the NNPC is the presence of dormant refineries scattered across the country”, the protesters said.

The Niger Deltans noted that the NNPC boasts of four refineries, two in Port Harcourt and one each in Warri and Kaduna, but regrettably, “despite the staggering allocation of 100 bilion Naira for refinery rehabilitation in 2022, these facilities, with a combined production capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, have failed to produce any refined products for the past several years.

“This lamentable situation has forced Nigeria, the continent’s largest oil producer, to heavily depend on imported petroleum products due to the NNPC’s inability to operate its refineries efficiently.

“As a result, the nation’s economic backbone is irrefutably tethered to fuel prices and supply. As expected, a disruption in this vital sector would undoubtedly plunge the entire economy into a state of peril, a scenario we are already witnessing.

“The adverse ripple effect of this heavy reliance on the oil industry is unmistakable visible in Nigeria’s inflation rate, which reached a staggering 25.80% in August of this year.

“The implications of such high inflation figures are far-reaching, encompassing elevated living costs, discouraging business environment, and a palpable instability in the nation’s overall economic health. Such an extraordinary inflation rate is categorically unsustainable, and it poses a grave threat to the nation’s well-being”, the protesting people of the oil-rich region said.

Furthermore, the groups alleged that “irregularities in the awarding of oil production contracts have cast a shadow of opacity over remittances to the Federation Account, giving rise to grave concerns about transparency and accountability in these financial transactions.

“Likewise, the dubious procurement of pipeline surveillance contracts, void of a transparent selection process, has sparked a multitude of questions about the responsible management of these critical responsibilities.

“As a collective of concerned
and dedicated Niger-Deltans, we vow to uphold the law and employ peaceful demonstrations as a means to beseech President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Engr. Mele Kyari from his position and launch an investigation into the leadership and management of NNPCL under his stewardship, specifically addressing the urgent issue of refinery revitalization.

“The lack of pump price regulations and mismanagement of the post subsidy regime has led to fuel price being sold at over 700 naira per liter in some parts of the Nation”, the protesters observed.

In conclusion, the protesters noted that “it is palpably evident that under the leadership of Engr. Mele Kyari, there has been no discernible surge in oil production and remittances to the Federation Account.

“We implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action, relieving him of his role and instigating the much-needed transformation of our beleaguered refineries, ultimately mitigating Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports.

“Enough is Enough! Mele Kyari Must Go and must be Probed”, the protesters concluded.

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Yoruba Youth Council Passes Vote Of Confidence On Kyari, Assures Of Partnership To Grow Oil & Gas Sector

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The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has passed a vote of confidence on the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr Mele Kyari.

It described the attempts by some unscrupulous elements to blackmail Kyari as a distraction that would do the oil industry no good.

The YYC said that rather than joining other faceless group to blackmail the NNPC Boss, it would further increase its level of partnership and support Kyari in view of the numerous successes recorded by the GCEO in the oil and gas industry.

The group said it is on record that the NNPC GCEO was appointed at a time when disputes, aside from oil theft and pipeline vandalism, were paralysing oil production.

However, it added that within a few months of stepping into office, Kyari was able to resolve these disputes.

The Yoruba Youth Council in a statement jointly signed by the President and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Eric Oluwole and Saheed Adeola said when Kyari came in as the then GMD in 2019, he instituted a multi-security control room manned by the NNPC and all assets of the company were linked in real-time to the command-and-control center.

The Center was responsible for monitoring, locating, and reporting suspicious activities to various security agencies for intervention. The effort led to oil production recovering to 1.6
million barrels per day at the close of 2022.

The YYC saif that after seeing the damages which oil theft continued to wreck on the country’s earnings, Kyari pushed the Buhari administration to re-introduce private security arrangements which eventually led to the revalidation of Tompolo’s pipeline surveillance contract.

Since then, oil production has continued to stabilize and seen a steady increase.

The Yoruba Youths said findings revealed that Kyari came at a time when disputes, aside from oil theft and pipeline vandalism, were paralysing oil production. But within a few months of stepping into office, Kyari was able to resolve them.

These include the dispute between Shell and Belema Oil that shut in over 30,000 barrels per day production in OML 25, and over agreements with SNEPCo and other PSC partners to resolve the disputes around another deep offshore block, OML 118, leading to the renewal of that acreage with the prospect of a new $10billion investment in the development of the Bonga South-East Field.

Among the resolutions was the execution of the Abo OML 125 Heads of Terms leading to the resolution of the issues around most of the deep offshore Production Sharing Contracts.

This paved the way for the renewal of OML 125 and further investment.

There was also the successful resolution of 1993 PSC dispute which holds over 90% of Nigeria’s deepwater production, paving the way for unlocking over 7 billion barrels of oil, 20Tcf of gas reserves, and potential investment of up to US$40bn over the next five years, and at the same time relieves NNPC of almost US$10bn in contingent liabilities.

The YYC also said Kyari achieved the commercial discovery of hydrocarbon in the Gongola basin of the Upper Benue trough and attained the Presidential flag-off of the Kolmani Integrated Development Project (KIPRO) on 22nd November 2022, with over one billion barrels of oil and 500BCF of gas addition to existing hydrocarbon reserves, which will go a long way to enhance national energy security, create jobs opportunities and stimulate balanced economic growth.

As part of the strategic drive to shore up national reserves, tje Group said Kyari expanded hydrocarbon exploration campaigns to the Sokoto and Bidda basins and achieved a spud-in for the ongoing exploration projects in the Nasarawa and Chad Basins.

Within this year alone, the Council said Kyari achieved first oil in OML 13, restored production in OMLs 11 and 18, and currently working to achieve first oil in OMLs 83/85
among others.

Kyari is also taking major initiatives that will move towards achieving FID for major projects in the deepwater and frontier basins such as the Bonga Southwest Apraro, Bonga North,
Prowei, KIPRO, Owowo, Bosi, and so on.

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Group Demands Sack Of Mele Kyari, Probe Of Allegations Of Monumental Corruption Entrenched In NNPCL Under His Leadership

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The Mega National Movement For Good Governance (MNMGG) has demanded the immediate sack of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Mele Kolo Kyari.

The group, which consists of a coalition of 19 youth groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society organisations (CSOs), equally demanded the probe of allegations of monumental corruption entrenched in NNPCL under his leadership.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the Spokesperson of the Spokesperson Mega National Movement, Ibrahim Tijani, said the group is deeply concerned about the instability of the prices of petroleum products, resulting from the somersault in policies.

Listing the sins of the NNPCL’s GCEO, the group said there was lack of due process in the appointment of Engr Mele Kyari, accusing him of failure to remit revenues to the Federation Account, and inconsistency.

The movement said, they are also saddened by the sudden scarcity of fuel in particularly the Federal Capital and other major cities and towns that was fueled by the intention of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) to hike fuel prices within the week.

“We are worried also by the mounting allegations of fraud, embezzlement, and corruption within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) since the appointment of Engr Mele Kyari as Group Chief Executive Officer.

“As a coalition of patriotic groups, we have identified allegations of significant irregularities within the NNPCL, including fuel subsidy scams, under-remittance of oil sales revenue, corruption, shady pipeline surveillance contracts, and oil theft.

“These issues have had a collective detrimental effect on the majority of Nigerians, while benefiting only a few greedy individuals, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, and fraudulent accounting practices. These actions not only undermine the company’s financial stability but also have far-reaching consequences for stakeholders and the overall economy. Mega National Movement For Good Governance (MNMGG) has demanded the immediate sack of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Mele Kolo Kyari

“Among the numerous cases of financial impropriety against Kyari is the deduction of N2.1 trillion from the monthly revenue of NNPC, which was not remitted to the Federation Account.

“Additionally, Kyari is believed to be responsible for the supply of adulterated or bad fuel that entered the country in 2022, causing damage to many vehicle engines and generators.

“These allegations of massive corruption and fraudulent diversion of billions of dollars to personal and cronies’ accounts must be thoroughly investigated, and Kyari should be prosecuted if found guilty”, the coalition lamented.

On lack of due process and transparency in Kyari’s appointment, the movement said, “We would like to highlight that the appointment of Engr. Mele Kyari as GCEO of NNPCL did not follow due process as enshrined in the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

“Considering that NNPCL recently transitioned to a private company in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIAAct, 2021), it is no longer allowed to have recourse to state funds.

“Its shares and assets, including oil blocks and refineries, are now held by the Ministries of Petroleum and Finance.

“However, NNPCL has failed to operate as a Joint Production Venture (JPV) with Western Oil Majors (WOM), as required by law.

“Furthermore, the NNPCL has not been transparent in publishing it’s crude contracts and statements of accounts under Engr. Mele Kyari’s leadership”, the group alleged.

Picking holes in NNPCL’s remittances to the Federation Account, the group recalled that “In 2022, Kyari and the NNPC management failed to remit any funds to the Federation Account for seven consecutive months.

“Despite Nigeria recording N16 trillion in oil sales during that year, the NNPC did not make any remittances. This lack offinancial responsibility is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the management of the company’s revenues.

“Kyari must explain how these funds were spent and provide transparency (sic) regarding the companies that received
subsidy payments”, the Coalition demanded.

Insisting on the restoration of transparency and accountability in NNPCL, the group stated that “As concerned and patriotic citizens, we believe that the government should be interested in knowing the true nature of NNPCL’s oil production contracts and remittances to the Federation Account, as well as the transparency of pipeline surveillance contracts awarded by the NNPCL in line with global best practices.

“We had expected the President Tinubu administration to insist on the implementation of the PIA or the PIB Act, not only to sack and probe Engr. Mele Kyari but also other key figures in the NNPCL, such as the Executive Vice President (Upstream), Adokiye Tombomieye, Managing Director Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Ali Muhammad Zahra, and the Director National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NPIMS), Bala Wunti.

“This comprehensive action is necessary to clcan up the corruption and decay within the NNPCL”, the group observed.

Frowning at inconsistencies in Governnent actions, the movement noted that “It is unfortunate that Engr. Mele Kyari, who allegedly shortchanged every Nigerian through under-remittance to the Federation has been allowed to remain in charge of the NNPCL, while heads of other important denartments and EFCC, have been sacked, arrested, and probed. This raises the question of why the case of the NNPCL led by Engr. Mele Kyari is being treated differently.

“If the government is genuinely committed to fighting financial malfeasance, oil theft, dubious pipeline surveillance contracts, fuel subsidy scams, under-remittance to the Federation Account, abnormalities, and lack of transparency in the NNPCL, then Engr. Mele Kyari should not be allowed to continue in his position.

Demanding for the removal of Kyari, the Coalition said that “It is evident to most Nigerians that there has been no significant increase in oil production and remittance to the Federation Account since Engr. Mele Kyari assumed the position of GCEO of the NNPCL.

“Therefore, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take action and fire and probe Engr. Mele Kyari.

“This is crucial for the transparency, accountability, and development of the Nigerian petroleum industry.

“Given the numerous allegations of financial improprieties and the lack of accountability within
the NNPC under Kyari’s leadership, it is imperative that he be removed from his position.

“The Federal Government must take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that those responsible for corruption and embezzlement are held accountable.

The Nigerian people deserve transparency, accountability, and a leadership that prioritizes the country’s economic stability and the well-being of its citizens.

“It is crucial to address these allegations, conduct a thorough investigation, and prosecute those responsible for corruption and fraudulent practices.

“Restoring transparency, accountability, and financial stability within the NNPC is essential for the well-being of the Nigerian economy and
its citizens”, the group said.

Law and Order, News, Politics

Violence: Group Urges Police To Bring Kogi SDP Governorship Candidate Yakubu To Justice

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The Arewa Defenders Forum (ADF) has said that it taken stock of events unfolding in Kogi State in the buildup to the forthcoming November, 2023 governorship in the state, urging the police to arrest the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Murtala Yakubu Ajaka and other alleged “authors of mindless violence and bring them to justice to serve justice to the victims and their families”.

The ADF noted especially, what it described as “the unrelenting disturbances created by certain interest groups in the led by the main challenger to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Muritala Yakubu, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the form of incitement to violence by making unguarded and inflammatory rhetoric.”

In a statement signed by its chairman, Abdulfatah Salmonu , the group said that the “embers of the recent violence that resulted in the killing of several APC supporters and other innocent people as confirmed by the police were ignited and incessantly fanned by the inciting and provocative utterances of Yakubu and other authors of mindless violence who see power as an end in itself.”

According to the statement, the “unprovoked attacks and killings of opposition supporters have resulted from the hate campaigns and propaganda being conducted by those identified as perpetrators of violence led by Yakubu, who are relentlessly pursuing this agenda of destruction and collective mayhem.

“We are worried also that weeks after the police have accused Yakubu of being involved in the killing of the supporters and undermining security efforts, yet he remains free.

“This lack of action sends a message that those in power are above the law and undermines public trust in the justice system.

“We demand swift action from the police to arrest Yakubu and other authors of mindless violence and bring them to justice to serve justice to the victims and their families.

“This is necessary because a man whose conducts the police said, continue to jeopardize security efforts in the state, by moving around with a retinue of political thugs armed to the teeth cannot be allowed to move about freely”, the Arewa Defenders Forum stated.

Law and Order, News, Politics

Kogi killings: Northern Network Condemns Violent Politicians and Demands Yakubu’s Arrest

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The Northern Emancipation Network (NEN) has condemned the actions of violent politicians and in particular, called attention to the lack of action taken against Kogi State Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, who has been accused of involvement in the killing of APC supporters and undermining security efforts.

The Northern Network is worried that despite these serious accusations, Yakubu remains free, sending a troubling message that those in power are above the law.

“This lack of action undermines public trust in the justice system and sets a dangerous precedent. The NEN is demanding that the police carry out a thorough investigation and bring Yakubu to justice if he is found guilty.

“Failure to do so would not only threaten the integrity of justice but also hurt the families of those affected by Yakubu’s alleged crimes.

“The NEN urges the police to act swiftly to ensure justice is served, and to restore faith in the rule of law,” Coordinator of the NEN Suleiman Abbah said in a press statement circulated in Abuja.

“NEN recognizes that political violence can have far-reaching consequences, including loss of life and property damage. We will not stand idly by as violence and lawlessness go unpunished.

“To this end, the NEN demands greater accountability among politicians, particularly those who are accused of violence. We believe that no one should be above the law, regardless of their status or position in society.

“The NEN therefore demands that political leaders and elected representatives focus on justice for victims and recommit to addressing the root causes of political violence.

“This includes working to promote dialogue and understanding among different groups, as well as supporting initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and inequality,” Abbah said.

Breaking News, News, Politics

CSOs Berate NLC, TUC Over Insistence on Indefinite Strike Action

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…Says Move Highly Unpatriotic and Targeted at Destabilising Nigeria

The insistence of organised labour to embark on an indefinite strike action has continued to attract widespread criticism, with the latest coming from the Civil Society Situation Room on Good Governance in Nigeria (CSSRGGN).

The group condemned the move by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as highly unpatriotic and aimed to destabilise the country.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr. Thomas Uzah, National President/Convener, said the organised labour is bent on bringing the government down through street protests.

Uzah said the NLC and TUC’s obsession with mass action over dialogue despite calls from different quarters clearly shows that there is a hidden agenda.

“We hope that the leaders of organized labour fully appreciate the crimes they are committing with the sets of directives they have issued and that they also understand that they will invariably lose control of the mayhem they are trying to unleash on the country,” he added.

“We are therefore calling on Nigerians and the rest of the world to note that the NLC and TUC are preparing the citizenry for war, they are preparing the country for final implosion. We further ask the discerning to note that the opposition and their foreign collaborators are bankrolling NLC and TUC to bring the government down.

“We hereby issue another advisory that the opposition, NLC, and TUC have perfected plans to grow their street protests and rallies into full-blown war by stagging or orchestrating attacks on protesters by fake security operatives so that they can accuse the government of being heavy-handed and attempt to delegitimize the government before the international community of being repressive.

“We are worried about how this dangerous plot will play out given the other security challenges that the country is already battling with. There is the obvious danger of how this could worsen banditry, kidnap for ransom, and separatist elements that have in the past used mass protests as an opportunity to plant new cells in areas where they do not hitherto exist.

“The Civil Society Situation Room on Good Governance In Nigeria therefore urges security agencies to take proactive steps to prevent the catastrophe that NLC and TUC have plotted for the country.

“We renew our appeal to the Federal Government to look beyond the NLC and TUC. The government should increase and accelerate the implementation of its palliative measures for Nigerians.”

Law and Order, News

Group Decries Persistent Absence Of Zamfara Governor Amid State’s Mounting Security Challenges

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…Urges Tinubu’s Administration To Set the Stage for Perpetual State of Emergency in Zamfara

The Zamfara Conflict Resolution Concern Forum (ZCRC), has decried what it described as the “persistent absence of our Governor, Dauda Lawal in the face of mounting security challenges that our state is currently experiencing.”

The group demanded that the President Bola Tinubu-Led Federal Government should immediately set the stage for the declaration of and indefinite state of emergency on the state over the Governor’s continued absence from the state.

In a statement issued on Monday and personally signed by its Convener, Tukur Sabi Gusau, the group said that it was “with great concern that we observe the void left by the absence of the Governor who should be around working to address the security challenges plaguing our State which represent a serious threat to the peace and stability we all seek.”

He explained that “This press statement is therefore necessary to warn Governor Lawal to note that indiscriminate acts of violence, crime, and acts of terror have not only caused immense harm to innocent lives but have also instilled fear and anxiety into the hearts of our fellow citizens.

“It is regrettable that the lack of the Governor’s active involvement in addressing these challenges intensifies the despair felt by all of us, further eroding our trust in the preparedness, sincerity and political resolve to protect our lives and properties.

“In times of crisis such as this one, a responsible, sensitive and decent leader is expected by his people to step up, guide, and provide reassurance to the state.

“But without strong leadership from Governor Lawal, the confidence and trust necessary to strengthen the security apparatus and combat the prevailing challenges in Zamfara State are profoundly compromised.

“It is regrettable that Governor Lawal who should always be available to work collaboratively, across all sectors, and develop comprehensive strategies to safeguard the well-being and security of the people who voted him to power, he happens to almost all the time in Abuja or outside the country.

“At the risk of overstating the continued absence of Governor Lawal from the state and abandoning the people to the mercy of dangerous bandits, kidnappers and rapists, one can unhesitatingly assert that Governor Lawal’s audacity for flying out of the state on the day unspecified number of female students were forcefully abducted from their campus, presumably to attend the ongoing UNGA in faraway New York, are testements to his lack of integrity, decisiveness, and a firm commitment to the welfare of our people.

“The situation becomes even more worrying considering that the Governor is not even among the official delegation of Mr President to UNGA.
Leadership should not be a mere title, but a role that demands responsibility, accountability, and the ability to galvanize the collective efforts needed to address these pressing security challenges.

“Based on the inevitable observations drawn above, the ZCRC arising from an emergency meeting in Gusau, has resolved to:

“Demand the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to immediately set the stage for the declaration of and indefinite state of emergency on the state in view of Governor Lawal’s abandoning the state in the face of daunting security challenges and proving the widespread concern that he is patriotically ill-prepared, morally ill-equipped and apparently lacking in the resolve required to protect a people in distress.

“By perpetually abandoning the people that voted him to power at the mercy of a rampaging criminal onslaught, Governor Lawal has lost every moral claim to remaining in office beyond now.

“The only available option for the rescue of the people of Zamfara from Governor Lawal’s administration that had within such a short time acquired the reputation of being the worst in the history of our state in terms of any capacity to generate confidence in achieving credible national goals, is the declaration of a state of emergency by the Federal Government.

“With such level of lack of strong leadership at the state, it is understandable that criminals and killers feel emboldened and see an opportunity to exploit the system leading to an increase in their confidence and competence in subverting the state and compromising our security.

“Finally we categorically state that the people of Zamfara cannot continue to live and die under the dictates of killers, kidnappers, rapists and sundry criminal groups that have deprived us of our rights to live in peace and security”, the group stated.