Port Harcourt Refinery: Groups condemn TV station over alleged attacks on Tinubu, Kyari

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption (COCSOAC) Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora (NPID) and Bloggers, on Monday, condemned a national television station over alleged attacks on President Bola Tinubu and Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, Engr Mele Kyari, on achievements of the NNPCL, deregulation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, and progress recorded in the oil and gas sector.

The groups, in a statement signed by the Director, NPID, Abiye Tariebi; National Secretary, COCSOAC, Malam Aminu Kazaure; and Spokesman, Bloggers and Content Creators, Olusola Akindele, expressed displeasure over intentional comments by a media organisation that was supposed to be objective in its reportage or analysis on critical and sensitive national issues, which if negative dissemination of information could trigger national unrest.

The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption (COCSOAC), Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora (NPID), and Bloggers express profound disappointment with the constant misrepresentation and lack of balanced reportage by ARISE TV regarding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

“It is disheartening that a media organisation as prominent as ARISE TV continues to disseminate unbalanced narratives on crucial national matters such as the achievements of NNPCL, the deregulation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and the progress recorded in the oil and gas sector. Accurate journalism demands fairness and objectivity, yet ARISE TV has consistently failed in this regard.

“It is essential for media organisations to uphold the principles of truth and objectivity, as biased reporting can misinform the public and undermine national development.

“We urge ARISE TV to uphold journalistic ethics by providing balanced stories, engaging stakeholders fairly, and avoiding the dissemination of skewed narratives that do not reflect the realities of NNPCL’s achievements.”

Meanwhile, the groups hailed the Kyari-led NNPCL over the giant achievements made so far in the nation’s oil and gas sector, especially the commencement of refining of PMS and other products by the Port Harcourt Refinery, PHR, after many years of shutdown on refining activities.

“NNPCL, under the visionary leadership of its Group CEO, Mr. Mele Kyari, has made significant strides in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. These achievements include the successful reopening of the Port Harcourt refinery after years of stagnation and the imminent reopening of the Warri refinery.

“These efforts are critical milestones in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges, reducing dependency on imported refined products, and boosting the national economy.

“We also commend the bold economic reforms and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose leadership has ensured that these initiatives remain on course. His administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s energy infrastructure underscores his dedication to sustainable development and economic growth.”

The groups also called on Nigerians to support and sustain government policies and their impact because they are the government as well, following the system of government the nation is running.

“As Nigerians and stakeholders in national progress, we reaffirm our support for NNPCL and President Tinubu’s administration.

“We call on all citizens to celebrate and encourage the efforts of Mele Kyari and his team in transforming the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

“The Coalition remains committed to exposing unbalanced reporting and ensuring that the truth prevails in the interest of national development.”

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