There’s a smear campaign against Mele Kyari, say CSOs

A coalition of 92 civil society organisations (CSOs) says there is an alleged smear campaign against Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Nwambu Gabriel, director-general of Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption, said there have been sustained calls for the sack of Kyari and members of the NNPC management team.

A recently dissolved ad hoc committee of the house of representatives was polarised over Kyari and Farouk Ahmed, chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDRA).

Gabriel said President Bola Tinubu should ignore calls for Kyari’s sack, adding that allegations against him should be “diligently” probed.

“NNPC Limited has undergone a significant transformation, with a relentless focus on operational efficiency and productivity that has resulted in increased crude oil production and reserve growth,” he said.

“These achievements have greatly contributed to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development.

“Mallam Kyari has placed great emphasis on transparency and accountability, implementing robust corporate governance practices that promote integrity and foster trust among stakeholders.

“His commitment to eradicating corruption within NNPC Limited is unwavering, creating an organization that maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corrupt practices.

“We firmly believe in upholding the principles of due process, and any allegations should be diligently investigated and proven beyond all reasonable doubt.

“It is neither our place nor the media’s to pass judgment based on unproven allegations.”

The director-general said Tinubu should consider the greater good of the country and make an informed decision regarding the leadership of NNPC.