Following the ongoing fuel scarcity and crisis in the petroleum sector, the Niger Delta Advocacy Network for Good Governance and Transparency has called on President Bola Tinubu to remove Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Okpako Theophilus, the group expressed dissatisfaction with the persistent fuel scarcity in the country.
They highlighted that residents in the oil-producing states of the Niger Delta are forced to buy fuel at prices as high as ₦1000 per litre.
Theophilus reminded President Tinubu that the recent #EndBadGovernment protest was driven by fuel scarcity and questioned why Kyari remains in a pivotal public office that significantly impacts the country’s economy.
“This is totally unacceptable. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for this country, and he should take drastic measures to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians,” Theophilus said.
“Mele Kyari’s continued stay in office is a threat to the economy of Nigeria. He has demonstrated that he cannot manage the petroleum sector effectively. The President should remove him and appoint a competent replacement.”
The group criticised the NNPCL for exacerbating the hardship faced by Nigerians, noting that fuel is being sold above the market price in various cities in the Niger Delta.
They alleged that there is racketeering in the purchase of petroleum products by high-ranking government officials within the NNPCL, which is detrimental to ordinary Nigerians.
The group has threatened to protest at the National Assembly if President Tinubu does not address the crisis by removing Kyari.
They argued that Kyari’s leadership and policy direction at the NNPCL are undermining the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are calling on Mr President to urgently sack Mele Kyari, as it is evident he is working against the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“With Mele Kyari in charge of NNPCL, Nigerians will continue to suffer these problems,” the group added.
“If President Tinubu fails to act by Friday, we will protest at the National Assembly to demand Kyari’s removal.”
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