Northeast Group Condemns Call for Mele Kyari’s Removal as GCEO of NNPCL, Backs His Leadership
By Matthew Eloyi
A group known as the Concerned Citizens of Northeast has denounced a recent call by the Coalition of Niger Delta Oil Producing Ethnic Nationalities Forum (CONDENF) for the removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Describing the demand as “unwarranted” and “misguided,” the group argued that it unfairly targets Kyari for issues concerning the state of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government and the Minister of Petroleum Resources.
“It is both unfair and baseless to single out Mele Kyari for blame in matters beyond his direct executive mandate,” the group said in a statement signed by its Directo of Media, Auwal Ahmad Umar on Monday.
The group praised Kyari’s leadership, noting that he has consistently demonstrated commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. They highlighted his role in driving reforms within NNPCL, including its historic transformation into a commercially driven entity under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“His leadership has fostered unprecedented reforms within the company. The transformation and progress achieved under his tenure should not be overshadowed by misplaced grievances,” the group added.
While acknowledging the right of individuals and groups to express concerns, the Concerned Citizens of Northeast called for constructive engagement with appropriate authorities instead of “divisive rhetoric that undermines the efforts of competent professionals like Kyari.”
The group urged Nigerians to unite in addressing the pressing challenges in the energy sector and to focus on finding sustainable solutions that benefit all regions of the country.