By Sola Ojewusi
A coalition of civil society organizations, ethnic leaders, and human rights groups, led by Aare Oba Oladotun Hassan Esq, has demanded the immediate removal, investigation, and prosecution of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The coalition alleges extensive corruption and economic mismanagement under Kyari’s leadership, with claims of trillions of Naira lost due to a lack of transparency. They also accuse him of mishandling the fuel subsidy regime, failing to account for significant volumes of crude oil, and colluding with international oil companies to shortchange Nigeria. The coalition’s press conference underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and a forensic audit of the NNPC’s financial activities.
In a press conference held on October 10th, 2023, at Onikan, Lagos, Aare Oba Oladotun Hassan Esq, the convener of the Coalition for Mele Kyari MUST GO movement, along with various civil society organizations, ethnic leaders, and human rights groups, made the call for the removal, investigation, and prosecution of Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The coalition alleges that Mele Kyari has been involved in mindless corruption and embezzlement of funds within the NNPCL, causing significant damage to the Nigerian economy. They claim that he has misled the nation and is responsible for economic mismanagement.
Key points raised during the press conference include:
1. Loss of Trillions: The coalition asserts that under Mele Kyari’s leadership, the Federal Government has lost trillions of Naira due to a lack of transparency and accountability in the NNPC’s operations.
2. Fuel Subsidy Scandal: They claim that the fuel subsidy regime, overseen by Kyari, has been riddled with corruption and calls for a thorough investigation.
3. Unaccounted Funds: The coalition demands accountability for funds deducted from the Federation Account, amounting to trillions of Naira, which they allege have not been remitted.
4. Missing Crude Oil: Mele Kyari is accused of failing to account for over 107 million barrels of crude oil lifted out of the country, resulting in significant revenue losses.
5. Collusion with International Oil Companies: The coalition alleges that Kyari colluded with international oil companies to shortchange Nigeria of its fair share of revenue from petroleum production and sales.
6. Transparency in Loans: Questions are raised about loans taken by the NNPC, with concerns that these loans may not have been used for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
7. Subsidy Payments: The coalition demands transparency in the payment of subsidies to oil marketers and calls for the publication of the names of companies benefiting from these payments.
The coalition accuses Mele Kyari of being the mastermind behind various corrupt practices within the NNPC and calls for his immediate removal and investigation. They stress the need for transparency, accountability, and a forensic audit of the NNPC’s financial activities.
The press conference concluded with a call for swift action by the Inspector General of Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations against Mele Kyari and bring him to justice.