CSO Defends Kyari, Warns Against Politically Motivated Attacks

A civil society group, the Civil Society Alliance (CSA), has condemned what it described as an orchestrated campaign against the immediate past leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), warning that politically motivated attacks threaten institutional integrity and national development.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the Alliance’s convener, Hussaini Agair, strongly defended Mallam Mele Kyari’s tenure as NNPCL’s group chief executive officer, citing numerous reforms and milestones achieved under his administration.

“Under Mallam Mele Kyari’s stewardship, the NNPCL recorded historic strides—from publishing its audited financial statements for the first time, to achieving net profit after decades of losses, and initiating key infrastructure projects like the AKK pipeline,” Agair said.

The group noted that Kyari also played a critical role in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which transformed the sector’s regulatory framework and attracted significant investment.

The group, however, expressed concern over recent media reports and campaigns by “faceless groups and paid political jobbers” alleging financial improprieties during Kyari’s tenure. He dismissed such claims as unsubstantiated and driven by vested interests.

“These are shameful theatrics intended to erode public trust in one of Nigeria’s most successfully reformed institutions. We urge these corporate scavengers to desist immediately,” he said.

The group, therefore, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other investigative bodies to conduct impartial, evidence-based inquiries into the allegations without yielding to pressure from political actors or shadowy interests.

Meanwhile, Co-Convener Comrade Ikechukwu Norbert also outlined four key demands: “Impartial Investigations: All probes into NNPCL operations under Kyari must be fair, thorough, and unbiased. “Protection of Institutional Reforms: Reforms achieved under the past leadership must be preserved and advanced. “Focus on Real Saboteurs: Investigators should expose individuals undermining NNPCL for personal or political gain. “Accountability for Misinformation: Those spreading false claims for selfish reasons must be prosecuted.”

The group also warned against unnamed groups’ planned protests or counter-press conferences, describing such actions as distractions that risk destabilizing the country.

“While constructive criticism is vital for national growth, it must be rooted in truth. We will not allow hired clowns to derail national progress,” he added.

The alliance reaffirmed its commitment to supporting transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms that serve Nigeria’s broader development goals.