By Perpetua Onuegbu
A coalition of 92 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Wednesday urged President Bola Tinubu not to sack Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.).
The coalition under the Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption (GCCLAC) made the plea through its Director-General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu, during a news conference in Abuja.
Nwambu said that the conference tagged “Don’t Allow Enemies of Nigeria Truncate the Good Works of Malam Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited” was organised following calls for the sack of Kyari on social media, on allegations of corruption.
He described Kyari’s trial by social media users as unfair.
“We gather today to address critical issues pertaining to corruption within the Nigerian economy and ongoing deliberations surrounding the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC Limited, Malam Mele Kyari.
“GCCLAC has conducted an independent verification and fact-finding exercise and the results have brought to light some remarkable revelations about his leadership and contributions to NNPC Limited and the Nigerian economy.
“Under his guidance, NNPC Limited has undergone significant transformation with focus on operational efficiency and productivity that has resulted in increased crude oil production and reserve growth.
“These achievements have greatly contributed to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development.
“He has strengthened strategic partnerships with both local and international stakeholders which has fostered growth and innovation and repositioned it as a premier energy company in Africa,” Nwambu said.
According to him, Kyari has demonstrated foresight and adaptability by expanding NNPC Limited’s portfolio and investments in renewable energy and gas development.
He said that the initiatives introduced by Kyari in the oil and gas industry were crucial to diversifying Nigeria’s energy sector and ensuring its long term sustainability.
Nwambu said their findings revealed that Kyari placed great emphasis on transparency, accountability and implementing robust corporate governance practices that had promoted integrity and trust among stakeholders.
He, therefore, called on the President to uphold the principles of due process, stressing that any allegation should be diligently investigated and proven beyond all reasonable doubt.
“It is important to note that Malam Mele Kyari’s achievements and contributions to the NNPC Limited and the Nigerian economy far outweighs the allegations made against him.
“Dismissing him will not only be counterproductive but will also hinder the remarkable progress made under his leadership. Such a decision will disrupt the sustainable economic reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu.
“We, therefore, call upon President Bola Tinubu to consider the greater good of Nigeria and make an informed decision regarding the leadership of NNPC Limited.
“We should not just be killing our professionals because they have chosen to serve the country relentlessly, we should as Nigerians separate corruption from professionalism,” Nwambu added. (NAN)