We Are Neither Criminals Nor Thieves – Kyari Defends NNPCL, Says There Are Things He Can’t Reveal In Public

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, has said that the oil company is not in any way linked with the substandard importation of petroleum products into the country.

Kyari lamented that he has faced different media attacks from individuals trying to create the impression that NNPCL is sabotaging the nation’s economy.

He spoke on Wednesday in Abuja when he appeared before a Senator Opeyemi Bamidele-led Ad-hoc Committee over alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum industry.

He insisted that the company is “faithful and will not lie” to the country.

He said, “We are not criminals, and we are not thieves. We will protect our dignity so we can serve this country.”

He further said that the oil and gas industry is bleeding and that there are things he knew but could not talk about in public until “the time comes”.

He asked that the committee sessions be televised live going forward for all Nigerians to monitor.

Reps Threaten To Demand Sack Of NNPCL Boss, Kyari If Dangote Refinery Sabotage Continues

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has announced it will advocate for the dismissal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), if what they perceive as efforts to undermine the Dangote Refinery are not halted immediately.

Naija News reports that the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, made this statement while addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

Agbese highlighted that the lawmakers have already called for the removal of the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), expressing concern that both the NNPCL and NMDPRA are intent on sabotaging the Dangote Refinery.

Agbese noted that while many Nigerians have cancelled planned protests over hardships, they insist on Kyari’s dismissal to ensure the refinery operates smoothly and supports the nation’s economy.

He emphasized that the House intends to investigate the ongoing conflict between Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA.

Agbese stated, “We have been seeing a lot by way of demarketing campaigns to discredit the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and given the negative impact of this, which has caused panic in the country.

“It is on record that the House directed the President to sack NMDPRA’s CEO.

“The House of Representatives will not hesitate to call for the sack of Mele Kyari if the attempt to destroy the refinery project, a national asset, does not stop immediately.”