Two prominent socio-cultural organisations, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide and the Northern Defence Network have unequivocally distanced themselves from the attacks on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari.
The controversy arose when a group identifying as the ‘Coalition of GMD NNPC Mele Kyari Must Go’ sent a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the immediate removal of Mr. Kyari from his office. This group claimed that it had garnered support from various ethnic youth groups and coalitions.
However, Ohanaeze and the Arewa Group released separate statements on Saturday to condemn and disavow the movement targeting Mr. Kyari. They characterized it as a deceptive endeavor sponsored and promoted by individuals involved in blackmail.
Both socio-cultural groups called on law enforcement agencies to take action by apprehending and prosecuting the instigators and leaders of these groups, whom they labeled as notorious for engaging in the practice of blackmailing government officials.
The national president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, stated that this movement is self-serving and contradicts the alleged claims made against Mr. Kyari. In contrast to the accusations, Ohanaeze asserted that the NNPC, under Kyari’s leadership, has performed commendably.
Ohanaeze further urged President Tinubu to disregard those who purport to be safeguarding the interests of Nigerians while secretly pursuing selfish agendas on behalf of a select few within the oil and gas industry.
