The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has issued a strong call for the immediate suspension of Mele Kyari, the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The CNPP attributes much of Nigeria's current economic difficulties to the mismanagement and controversial actions of the NNPC under Kyari's leadership.
In a statement released on August 11, 2024, and signed by Deputy National Publicity Secretary James Ezema, the CNPP expressed outrage over several issues plaguing the NNPC.
These include an alleged subsidy scam, the importation of substandard petroleum products, and the ongoing mismanagement of the Port Harcourt refinery.
"It is time to hold NNPC Limited accountable by immediately suspending Mele Kyari and independently probing the subsidy scam and other allegations in Nigeria’s upstream and downstream oil sectors to save the economy and minimize hunger," the statement read.
The CNPP highlighted the recent hike in petrol prices from N167 to about N700 per litre, which was justified as a necessary step due to the removal of fuel subsidies.
However, this price increase has not alleviated the nationwide shortage of petrol, causing immense hardship for Nigerians.
"Mele Kyari’s leadership has been marked by controversy and failure, and his inability to address these issues makes him unfit to continue in his role," the CNPP stated.
Adding to the criticism, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido, accused NNPC officials of being unwilling to end the lucrative subsidy scam.
"People in NNPC don’t want their lucrative subsidy scam to end," he reportedly said, further indicting the company's leadership.
The CNPP also raised concerns about the health and safety risks posed by the importation of substandard petroleum products.
"The allegation on the importation of substandard petroleum products in the country poses a risk to the health and safety of Nigerians," the statement noted.
Moreover, the CNPP criticized the endless rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, despite the substantial sums of money already spent.
"The endless rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, despite the huge sums of money already spent, is another testament to the mismanagement and inefficiency that plagues NNPC Limited," the CNPP concluded.
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