Forum Lauds President Tinubu Over Kyari's Retention As GCEO NNPC

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has enthusiastically welcomed the reappointment of Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) by President Bola Tinubu. This decision, AYCF said, is a landmark move that signals continuity and stability in the nation's oil sector.

The AYCF in a statement by its President General Yerima Shettima noted that as part of a larger reshuffle, President Tinubu has unveiled a new board and management team for the NNPCL, effective December 1, 2023. 

"The retention of Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari has defied expectations and put to shame detractors who had been anticipating his replacement after serving for approximately four years under the Buhari Administration," Yerima Shettima said. 

He expressed satisfaction with President Tinubu's decision and highlighted the confidence that the current administration has in Mele Kyari. Shettima emphasized that Kyari's reappointment demonstrates the administration's belief in his ability to navigate the challenges of the global oil economy and lead the NNPCL to even greater heights.

He said the AYCF, a prominent youth organization that represents the interests of the Arewa region, recognizes the valuable contributions made by Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari during his previous term as the CEO of NNPCL. 

"His leadership, vision, and commitment have significantly enhanced the operations and performance of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, making it an integral player in the global oil and gas sector," Shettima said. 

The AYCF applauds President Tinubu for making a decision that prioritizes continuity and stability in the nation's oil sector which is crucial for maintaining investor confidence, attracting foreign investments, and ensuring sustainable economic growth for Nigeria.Shettima then urged Kyari to continue his exemplary leadership and work collaboratively with the newly appointed board and management team to steer the NNPCL towards even greater achievements and pledged AYCF's support to the administration's efforts to transform Nigeria's oil sector and create opportunities for the Arewa region's youth.

AYCF is a leading youth organization in Nigeria, representing the interests of the Arewa region and committed to promoting peace, unity, and socio-economic development in the region through advocacy, capacity-building programs, and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders.

Northern Group Begs Apex Court to Resolve Zamfara Appeal in Matawalle's Favor

Danmani Shamsudeen 

The recent governorship election in Zamfara State has been marred by controversy surrounding the non-counting of approximately 90,000 ballots by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

The Northern Emancipation Network (NEN) has called upon Nigeria's Supreme Court to intervene and resolve this issue in favor of former Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle,  arguing that the use of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) introduced by INEC does not carry the same weight as the Electoral Act, and its mandatory use is questionable.

A statement by the NEN's Chairman,  Suleiman Abbah pointed out that Section 60 of the Electoral Act clearly states that the presiding officer must record the votes scored by each candidate in a form prescribed by the commission. Additionally, section 60 (5) of the Act mandates the presiding officer to transfer the results, including the total number of accredited voters and the ballot results, in a manner prescribed by the commission.

 The NEN argues that the prescribed manner, which is the BVAS, does not hold the same legal weight as the Electoral Act itself."The BVAS was introduced by INEC to enhance the credibility of the electoral process. However, it is important to note that the BVAS is not explicitly mandated by the Electoral Act. 

Therefore, its use cannot be made mandatory without proper legal backing," Abbah said. The NEN's appeal to the Supreme Court is based on the argument that the BVAS should not supersede the provisions of the Electoral Act, which is the primary legal framework governing elections in Nigeria.

"The Supreme Court's intervention is crucial in this matter to ensure that the principles of fairness, justice, and the rule of law are upheld. The non-counting of 90,000 ballots raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the disenfranchisement of a significant number of voters.

 "The Supreme Court, as the highest judicial authority in Nigeria, has the responsibility to address this appeal and provide a resolution that upholds the democratic principles upon which the nation is built," he said. Furthermore, NEN said, the Supreme Court's intervention will help to restore public confidence in the electoral process. 

"The credibility of elections is essential for the stability and progress of any democratic society. By resolving this appeal, the Supreme Court can send a strong message that it is committed to ensuring free and fair elections, and that any violations or irregularities will not be tolerated," Abbah said.

Nigerian Youth Network Wants Tinubu To Relief NNPC GCEO Of His Position

BY, Adamson Maiha 

Amidst mounting concerns and widespread allegations of corruption, Incompetence, use of government agency to advance political interest, the Nigerian Youth Network for Development (NYND) has again demanded for  the immediate termination of the appointment of  Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited(NNPCL). 

These calls for action find resonance in the deeply troubling allegations that have surfaced against Mr. Kyari and the growing belief that his continued tenure poses a significant threat to the nation's interests.

A statement jointly signed by Alh. Musa Abdullahi Daura national Chairman and

Chidiebere Ebuka national Secretary averred that the barrage of negative allegations against Mr. Kyari ranges from claims of gross misconduct to allegations of abuse of power, financial impropriety wherein he paid himself gratuity and some of his colleagues running into billions of Naira, incompetence and creation of artificial fuel scarcity with corresponding increase in price despite the subsisting subsidy regime at play then, thereby constituting threat to the election bid of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

The group further said, these allegations have raised serious concerns about his ability to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and effective governance that are vital to the overall success of NNPC and Nigeria's economy.

"One of the primary concerns is the alleged involvement of Mr. Kyari in several shady deals within the petroleum sector, including illicit security contract to Ex Militant Tompolo, and the mismanagement of public funds. Such weighty allegations cannot be properly investigated with him on the saddle, if proven true, would undoubtedly undermine the trust of the Nigerian people and damage the reputation of the NNPC, hindering efforts towards economic growth, stability, and foreign investment.

"In addition to the financial impropriety allegations, there have been serious questions raised regarding Mr. Kyari's leadership capabilities. The NNPC, being one of the most significant economic entities in Nigeria, requires a leader who can navigate the challenges of the ever-evolving global energy landscape. 

"The allegations of incompetence and questionable decision-making have jeopardized the corporation's ability to perform optimally and deliver on its mandate. Despite the opening the Russian-Ukraine provides for our economic boom, Nigeria has not been able to reach the OPEC production quota.

"Considering the gravity of the allegations against Mr. Kyari, we respectfully implore President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action and terminate his appointment as the GCEO of NNPCL. As a trusted leader with a commitment to good governance and transparency, we believe President Tinubu's intervention is crucial to restore public confidence in the NNPC and uphold the ethical standards that Nigerians expect from their public officials".

The group also called on President Tinubu to prioritize the national interest and ensure that the appointment of the new GCEO be made based on merit, integrity, and competency. 

"We believe that the immediate termination of Mr. Kyari and the subsequent appointment of a capable and ethical leader will serve as a strong message that Nigeria will not tolerate corruption or compromise on accountability. This crucial step will pave the way for a rejuvenated NNPCL that operates with the utmost professionalism, transparency, and efficiency" they stressed.

ENDS

Reappointment :Confederation of APC Support Groups Congratulate Kyari , Praise Tinubu's Foresight

Confederation of All Progressives Congress Support Groups has congratulated the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company, Engineer Mele Kyari over his well deserved reappointment.

According to the support groups , the  extension of Mele Kyari’s tenure shows clearly that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is dedicated to his RENEWED HOPE AGENDA, where round pegs are kept in round holes and square pegs vice- visa for optimal results. 

While applauding the President for not being distracted by dissident voices to replicate the dogma of inept ideas orchestrated by  a few cabals to replace Mele Kyari with a stooge to serve their interests, the group appreciated the positive developments that are unfolding in the Oil and Gas sector, where synergy templates have made the difference and ensured for a significant paradigm shift for a generational sign post that have acquired the topmost in line with global energy practice.

Speaking at a press conference held at the headquarters of Confederation of All Progressives Congress today, the Director General, Engineer Kailani Muhammad  explained: "We are celebrating this feat, not just because Mele Kyari remains in the saddle, we are celebrating because, Mele Kyari has become a composite factor in the Oil and Gas sector in Nigeria. His commitment to the development of the sector, will ever remain a footprint for generations to come as he remains at the helm of affairs at NNPCL.

The DG who acknowledged Mele Kyari’s records of achievements, said his contributions to the petroleum industry and the Oil and Gas in particular, have positively impacted the Nigeria’s economic strides for development.

Speaking further on his achievements, Kailani stated : "We are talking about the poor success rate by many international giant oil companies in the past, to conduct various seismic exploration activities in search for oil in the northern part of the country without tangible results, where his TAPE agenda changed the narratives . 

"When Kyari came on board as the GMD of the NNPC, his efforts yielded positive achievements in the Upper Benue Trough and the Gongola Basin in North Eastern Nigeria, particularly the Kolmani River fields. Kolmani integrated oil field development project located in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi State, where about over four billion of crude oil deposit is located.

"For the first time in over four decades, Kyari broke a 43 year- old jinx in the NNPC by up -dating and publishing the 2018 Audited Financial Statement for the year ended December 31, 2018. To consolidate on the landmark achievement, he quickly followed up with the publication of the company’s 2019 AFS, which showed a remarkable loss reduction to just N2.3 billion, with a declaration of a N287 billion Profit After Tax (PAT).

"He was a major factor in the resolution of the issues that delayed the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), by the National Assembly for almost two decades. 

"Since the unveiling of the Kolmani field development, Kyari has spearheaded more frontier exploration activities across Niger, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe states in the northern part of the country. 

"Through Kyari, the NNPCL has a proven gas reserve base of 208.62 trillion cubic feet (TCF). He also plans to increase gas reserves to 220 TCF in less than 10 years and 250 TCF thereafter. Although the operational environment has posed a huge challenge, Kyari is determined to ensure the country realises these targets.

"In this lap of the journey of Mele Kyari at NNPCL, we implore the media, the Nigerian  Public and stakeholders in the petroleum industry and especially, the Oil and Gas sector and the NNPCL management, to avail Mele Kyari, the requisite cooperation and commitment to his noble ideals. 

"Kyari is also involved in the execution of the 474 million standard cubic feet of gas per day trans-regional pipeline system, to deliver Nigeria’s natural gas resources to 15 countries in the West and North Africa.

"Construction of the 5,660 kilometres long NMGP, which commenced from Nigeria, that would traverse Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania, to end at Tangiers, a Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar, with a spur connecting the existing Europe gas pipeline through Spain.

"Kyari initiated the construction of the 4,128 kilometres long Trans-Saharan gas pipeline championed by the NNPCL, with its Algerian and Nigerien counterparts as a strategic investment to transport about 30 billion cubic meters of gas per year to the European market. Rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries to start production by December, 2023.