The Concerned Citizens of North-East on Monday strongly condemned the recent call by the Coalition of Niger Delta Oil Producing Ethnic Nationalities Forum for the removal of Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The group in a press statement obtained by PERISCOPE NIGERIA described the call as unwarranted demand, adding that “is not only misguided but also fails to address the core issues surrounding the state of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.”
The group’s statement partly read, “We wish to categorically state that the responsibilities for ensuring the optimal functioning of refineries lie primarily with the Federal Government, under the purview of the Minister of Petroleum Resources and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is, therefore, both unfair and baseless to single out Mele Kyari for blame in matters beyond his direct executive mandate.
“As the GCEO of NNPCL, Kyari has consistently demonstrated commitment to repositioning the oil and gas sector through transparency, accountability, and innovation. His leadership has fostered unprecedented reforms within the company, including the historic transition of NNPCL into a commercially driven entity under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The transformation and progress achieved under his tenure should not be overshadowed by misplaced grievances.”
While acknowledging its respect to the rights of individuals and groups to voice their concerns, urged stakeholders to focus on constructive engagement with the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric that undermines the efforts of competent professionals like Kyari.
“The Concerned Citizens of North-East reiterate its support for Mele Kyari’s leadership and urge the Federal Government and all Nigerians to unite in addressing the pressing challenges facing our nation’s energy sector. Let us channel our collective energies toward finding sustainable solutions that will benefit every Nigerian, regardless of region or ethnicity,” the group added.
