Group Retracts Allegations Against Ex-NNPCL Boss, Kyari

A group, Concerned Citizens Against Corruption (CCAC) has retracted allegations against Ex-NNPCL boss, Mallam Mele Kyari, admitting that its earlier decision to launch a nationwide protest to demand the probe of the Kyari was driven by its limited understanding of the strategic intents and works of the NNPC.

In a press conference held in Abuja, convener of the group, Comrade Kabiru Matazu after said their action during the April 23, protest was hasty, premature and lacking in facts.

Matazu in his address, said; “Despite our constructive and patriotic intentions which were aimed at fostering accountability and transparency in governance, we were misled by those we trusted to provide us with the basic facts.

“It is highly regrettable that, despite our best efforts, we were dragged unknowingly into the allegation about a crude deal with Matrix Energy by individuals with unpatriotic intentions. We admit in humility that it is statutory for NNPCL, whether under Kyari or the new management to enter into business agreements. There is nothing illegal about what the company did under Mallam Kyari as we were erroneously made to believe. NNPLC is sanctioned at the highest authorities to enter into such deals and if there are issues, it will be handled appropriately in close coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum.

“The achievements of Mallam Kyari are indeed in the public domain and despite our drive for accountability, we can not try to diminish them. In fact, it was under him that NNPCL was unbounded and real profits started coming in to the Nigerian treasury.

“Mr. Kyari with accumulated years of professional expertise also supervised and coordinated transformation efforts that led to the take off of local refining, including giving all support thereto. The revival of Nigeria’s decades-long moribund local public refineries are all traceable to his selfless and professional wit.That record cannot be twisted and we did not set out to twist them except that we were misled.

“The position of credible labour unions and interest groups in the petroleum sector such as
Trade Union Congress (TUC), Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) clearly shows we acted out of ignorance. Whereas accountability is the watchword of public service, we have now come to the realization that we acted without due diligence and alone as all stakeholders have vehemently refuted our claims with hard facts.

“We are retracting our petition and position prior stated at the protest. We are not condoning corruption but simply acknowledging that Kyari was targeted wrongly and we apologize.”