PHOTOS: Protesters demand removal of Mele Kyari over failure to fix local refineries

No fewer than 20,000 activists took to the three arms zone in Abuja on Tuesday to demand the resignation of Mele Kyari, the group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

According to the protesters, Kyari’s alleged “incompetent leadership,” skyrocketing petrol prices, endless queues, and economic hardship plaguing the nation are reasons for their demand.

The protesters were under the auspices of the APC Solidarity and Development Forum, comprising youths and civil society organisations.

In an open letter to the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, the conveners, Kabir Matazu and Danielsi Momoh, said the ongoing petrol scarcity has revealed a systemic failure in leadership and operational oversight within NNPC. 

According to the protesters, despite assurances of resolving petrol scarcity, the situation remains dire, causing untold hardship to Nigerians.

They said the petrol scarcity not only undermines public confidence but also adversely affects the reputation of the presidency and its renewed hope agenda.

The protesters criticised Kyari’s management for failing to operationalise local refineries, despite the federal government’s $4 billion investment.

They also said the failure to provide a clear roadmap for the revitalisation and operationalisation of the vital assets raises serious questions about the stewardship of resources entrusted to Kyari.

Another concern raised by the protesters is unresolved “corruption” cases within NNPC

“Kyari’s continued leadership is detrimental to NNPCL and the Nigerian populace. It is time for new leadership that prioritises accountability and efficiency,” the protesters said. 

“We demand a clear roadmap for the revitalisation and operationalisation 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. 

“NNPCL should be repositioned for optimal productivity, transparency and accountability.”

Here are some photos from the protest: