Corruption: CSOs Urges Tinubu To Sanitize NNPCL, Sack GCEO Kyari
http://www.newsportng.com.ng Mega National Movement For Good Governance, (MNMGG) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sanitize the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, (NNPCL) over alledged cases of corrupt practices.
The Spokesperson, (MNMGG) Ibrahim Tijani, made the call during the press conference held at the weekend in Kaduna, said Nigerians have already lost confidence in the sector, hence the need for President Tinubu to sack the Group Chief Executive Officer, (GCEO) NNPCL, Kyari Mele and order proper investigation into the bothering issues.
Some of the areas the group alledged and pointed out is that Kyari deducted N2.1 trillion from the monthly revenue of NNPC, which was not remitted to the Federation Account, adding that he is also believed to be responsible for the supply of adulterated fuel that entered the country in 2022.
MNMGG also noted that they are saddened by the sudden scarcity of fuel in particularly the Federal Capital and other major cities and towns that has fueled by the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria’s (IPMAN) intention to hike fuel prices within the week adding that we they worried by the mounting allegations of fraud, embezzlement, and other forms of irregularities.
Tijani said, “as a coalition of patriotic groups, we have identified allegations of significant irregularities within the NNPCL, including fuel subsidy scams, under-remittance of oil sales revenue, corruption, shady pipeline surveillance contracts, and oil theft.
“Among the numerous cases of financial impropriety against Kyari is the deduction of N2.1 trillion from the monthly revenue of NNPC, which was not remitted to the Federation Account. Additionally, Kyari is believed to be responsible for the supply of adulterated or bad fuel that entered the country in 2022, causing damage to many vehicle engines and generators.
“These allegations of massive corruption and fraudulent diversion of billions of dollars to personal and cronies’ accounts must be thoroughly investigated, and Kyari should be prosecuted if found guilty.
“We would like to highlight that the appointment of Eng. Mele Kyari as GCEO of NNPCL did not follow due process as enshrined in the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). Considering that NNPCL recently transitioned to a private company in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIAAct, 2021), it is no longer allowed to have recourse to state funds.
“Its shares and assets, including oil blocks and refineries, are now held by the Ministries of Petroleum and Finance. However, NNPCL has failed to operate as a Joint Production Venture (JPV) with Western Oil Majors (WOM), as required by law. Furthermore, the NNPCL has not been transparent in publishing its crude oil contracts and statements of accounts under Eng. Mele Kyari’s leadership.
“We had expected the President Tinubu administration to insist on the implementation of the PIA or the PIB Act, not only to sack and probe Eng. Mele Kyari but also other key figures in the NNPCL, such as the Executive Vice President (Upstream), Adokiye Tombomieye, Managing Director Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Ali Muhammad Zahra, and the Managing Director National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NPIMS), Bala Wunti. This comprehensive action is necessary to clean up the corruption and decay within the NNPCL.
“The Federal Government must take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that those responsible for corruption and embezzlement are held accountable. The Nigerian people deserve transparency, accountability, and a leadership that prioritizes the country’s economic stability and the well-being of its citizens.”
