A civil society group, Stand Up Nigeria, has reacted to the media attack on the leadership of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPLC) by an online news portal, describing it as malicious and unwarranted, aimed at portraying the NNPLC in a bad light.
In a press statement made available to LEADERSHIP by President of the group, Sunday Attah, said “there has been a raging trend of assault, blackmail of the corporate image of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) by Sahara Reporters wherein ugly and untrue stories have been published against the leadership of the NNPCL with scenarios that can only be imagined.”
He said, “As patriots and men of good conscience who have vowed to ensure that the truth is told to the world; Stand Up Nigeria as a civil society movement, has taken it upon itself as a responsibility, to ensure that the elements of slander and blackmail against men of good is put to shame.
“The malicious and evil allegations of the inappropriateness of the disengagement of the GMD, Mallam Mele Kyari and GED F&A, Mr. Umar Ajiya from the services of the old Corporation and their subsequent appointment by Mr. President to commence a new tenure as Group CEO and CFO in the new NNPC Limited as published by Sahara reporters April 12, 2023 is uncalled for and should not be taken seriously.
“Recall the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act by President Muhammad Buhari and the successful transition of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to a commercially driven National Energy Company, the NNPC Limited.
“The creation of the PIA 2021 made it clear that the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Board of Directors is the sole responsibility of Mr President.
“Sahara Reporters in its bid to mislead the public without understanding the provisions of the Act, however reported that the appointment of the CEO and CFO of NNPC Limited by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is on the basis of distinct terms and conditions of Service including tenure, employment benefits and termination.
“The public is however aware that the appointment of CEO and CFO are not career postings as erroneously and foolishly presented by Sahara Reporters.
The group, therefore called on Nigerians to disregard the publication as a misrepresentation of facts in order to blackmail the leadership of the NNPCL.
