Crude Oil Controversy: Ethnic Youth Leaders Issue 7-Day Ultimatum to NNPCL MD, Kyari
The Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Council Worldwide has demanded the resignation of the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, within seven days.
This ultimatum was issued in a statement on Tuesday by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the group’s Publicity Secretary. The group previously accused the Kyari-led NNPCL of sabotaging the launch of local refineries, including the Dangote refinery, during a press conference in Abuja last week.
Present at the press conference were key figures such as Comrade Terry Obeih, President General of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders/NENYLCW, Alhaji Balarabe Rufai, President of the Northern Youth Congress/Vice President of NENYLCW, Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq, President of the Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide/Secretary General of NENYLCW, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide/Publicity Secretary of NENYLCW, Comrade Emmanuel Zopmal, President of the Middle-Belt Youth Council/Organising Secretary of NENYLCW, and Alhaji Hamisu Dass, President of the North-East Youth Assembly/Treasurer of NENYLCW.
The youth leaders declared that they will not back down on their demand and threatened to cripple the country with protests if Kyari does not resign within the given timeframe.
In their statement, the youth leaders urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismiss Kyari if he fails to resign within seven days. They cited the ongoing controversy surrounding crude oil supply in Nigeria as their main concern. The statement highlighted the following points:
- Crude Oil Supply Issues: The group criticized Nigeria’s status as a major oil producer while facing acute petroleum product shortages.
- Delayed Refineries: They blamed the delayed take-off of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries and the alleged sabotage of the Dangote refinery for the hardships Nigerians are facing.
- Subsidy Cabal: The youth leaders claimed that a subsidy cabal is unwilling to let go, hence their demand for Kyari’s resignation.
- Forensic Audit: They called for a forensic audit of NNPCL accounts, citing difficulties in meeting OPEC quotas and suspicions of oil theft.
- Crude Oil Importation: The group expressed disbelief that crude oil would need to be imported from the United States for local refineries to operate.
The youth leaders warned that if Kyari remains in office after one week, they would take to the streets to protest until their demands are met.
