Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups has said the protest against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over fuel queues, was unnecessary and misplaced.
A group of Nigerians stormed the NNPCL Towers in Abuja demanding the removal of Mele Kyari from his position, citing persistent fuel queues as their justification.
In a statement signed by the Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups’ publicity secretary, Victor Duniya, he said, “We find it laughable to use the existence of fuel queues as a basis for such protest when, in our assessment, there have been no significant queues at fuel stations across the nation lately.
“This misleading narrative is not only inaccurate but also serves to obfuscate the real challenges facing the oil industry in Nigeria.
“The motivations behind this protest seem deeply entrenched in personal interest rather than collective welfare. It is imperative to understand that the oil sector, like many other industries, operates within a market structure where various actors and stakeholders have stakes, and the call for Kyari’s resignation only seeks to disrupt the ongoing progress in the energy sector, which he has devotedly worked towards,” he said.
The Arewa youth further stated that “the need for a skilled and experienced leader like Mele Kyari cannot be exaggerated. Under his guidance, NNPCL has seen significant strides towards optimising the nation’s oil production and distribution systems. By fostering an environment where the forces of demand and supply dictate pricing, Mr Kyari has advocated for a more competitive energy market—a principle that favours consumers and businesses alike. We implore our supporters to recognise the virtues of having someone at the helm who understands both the technical and managerial aspects of the oil industry.
“As representatives of the Arewa youth, we advocate for constructive engagement rather than confrontation. While dissent and peaceful protest form an integral part of democracy, they must be based on facts and geared towards constructive criticism, dialogue, and eventual resolution. The recent protests, however, lack a foundation in truth and appear driven by elements with ulterior motives that jeopardise our collective progress.”
The group called for national discourse to address the issues affecting Nigeria, noting that “in light of the prevailing circumstances, we encourage civil discourse among youth and community leaders to deliberate on the real issues facing the nation—issues that require our collective resolve and innovative solutions. To this end, we urge all young Nigerians to rise above petty grievances and work towards the common goal of national progress.
“We therefore wish to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to continue to support Mele Kyari in his quest for energy security. We are at a critical juncture where his support of exemplary leaders can propel Nigeria into a new era of energy self-sufficiency. We should not allow unfounded protests to derail the progress made thus far. This is a time for unity and resilience, where the government must render its support to individuals committed to serving their country with honour and integrity,” the group said.
