APC youths, CSOs demand Kyari’s resignation over failure to fix Nigeria’s refineries

All Progressives Congress, APC, youths and members of civil society organizations, CSOs, have stormed the Three Arms Zone in Abuja to demand the resignation of Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, over the failure to revive Nigeria’s refineries.

The protesters, under the auspices of the APC Solidarity and Development Forum, comprising youths and civil society organizations, accused Kyari of incompetence.

They decried the astronomical hike in fuel prices, scarcity of the commodity and queues at petrol stations across the country, as well as high level of economic hardship in the country.

The protesters, in an open letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, said the unending fuel scarcity across the country is a sign of systemic failure in leadership and operational oversight within NNPCL.

The open letter was jointly signed by the conveners of the protest, Comrade Kabir Matazu and Danielsi Momoh.

The APC youths and CSOs noted that the crisis in the energy sector not only undermines public confidence but also adversely affects the reputation of President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.

They blamed Kyari for the NNPCL’s failure to operationalize local refineries despite a $4 billion investment by the Federal Government.

According to the protesters, the failure to provide a clear roadmap for the revitalization and operationalization of the refineries raises serious questions about the stewardship of resources entrusted to Kyari.

They equally expressed concerns over unresolved corruption cases within the NNPCL.

Parts of the open letter read, “Kyari’s continued leadership is detrimental to NNPCL and the Nigerian populace. It is time for new leadership that prioritizes accountability and efficiency.

“We demand a clear roadmap for the revitalization and operationalization of our local refineries to ensure self-sufficiency in petroleum products and reduce reliance on imports.

“The National Assembly must enact and enforce strict regulations to prevent the importation of substandard petroleum products, protecting the health and safety of Nigerians.

“We urge the President to appoint a qualified individual who possesses the integrity and expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of the oil sector and restore public confidence.

“We call for the immediate establishment of a committee to investigate the ongoing allegations of sleaze and fraud under Mr. Kyari’s leadership. Furthermore, we demand that he be held accountable for any misconduct and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

“As the representatives of the people, the National Assembly must rise to the occasion and fast. Mele Kyari should be gotten rid of with dispatch. And NNPCL should be repositioned for optimal productivity, transparency and accountability.”