The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, has strongly dismissed calls for a probe into the tenure of Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement signed by its Deputy President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo described Kyari as a consummate technocrat whose exceptional service to Nigeria’s oil industry has been exemplary.
The group noted Kyari’s achievements during his tenure, including the publication of NNPC’s first audited financial statements in 43 years, the company’s first profit in 44 years, and his role in mobilising stakeholders for the Final Investment Decision (FID) for Train 7 of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).
Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemned the calls for investigation by a group called “Concerned Citizens Against Corruption,” describing them as misguided elements likely sponsored by anti-democratic forces and adversarial politicians.
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The group urged the authorities to disregard the narratives propagated by this faceless group and instead focus on the substantive challenges facing the nation.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes that Kyari is deserving of accolades and national honours, reflecting his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s oil industry.
The group commended Kyari’s leadership, which has catalysed significant progress and laid a robust foundation for future advancements in the sector.
The statement reads: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically denounces the recent calls for investigation from a group self-styled as the ‘Concerned Citizens Against Corruption.’ We regard these protesters as misguided elements, likely sponsored by anti-democratic forces and adversarial politicians intent on tarnishing the admirable legacy Mr. Kyari has built. Such actions represent an insidious attempt to undermine progress and distract the Federal Government from its essential responsibilities.
“We urge all relevant authorities and the citizenry to disregard the narratives propagated by this faceless group, whose motivations appear compromised and undermined by their own alleged corrupt interests—particularly concerning the reported financial obligations of NNPCL to Matrix Energy. Rather than engage with such distractions, the Federal Government should remain focused on the substantive challenges of economic repositioning and the urgent resolution of security issues facing our nation.”
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