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APC Youths Demand Kyari’s Removal Over $6.8b NNPCL Debt
The APC Youth Solidarity Network has demanded the immediate resignation or sack of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd), following the company’s admission of owing a staggering $6.8 billion in debt.
This shocking revelation has sparked widespread outrage and raised fundamental questions about Kyari’s leadership and governance style.
Olalekan Isaac, the President of the group, at a press conference in Abuja, branded Kyari’s leadership a “catastrophic failure” marked by a lack of transparency, accountability, and fiscal prudence.
He condemned NNPC’s initial denial of the debt as a “brazen lie” that has eroded trust in the institution and undermined the nation’s economic stability.
The APC Youth Solidarity Network questioned how NNPC, under Kyari’s watch, could accumulate such a massive debt despite the nation’s vast oil resources.
They also lamented the nation’s reliance on imported fuel, despite being Africa’s largest oil exporter, as a direct consequence of years of systemic neglect and mismanagement of the state-owned oil refineries.
The group urged President Bola Tinubu to take swift and decisive action in addressing this crisis, including facilitating Kyari’s immediate resignation, initiating a comprehensive investigation into NNPC’s financial dealings, and implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Isaac warned that Kyari’s continued occupation of office would only exacerbate the nation’s economic woes and tarnish the reputation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian people.
He demanded leadership that embodies transparency, consistency, and accountability, and called on President Tinubu to act decisively to restore the nation’s trust and confidence in its institutions.
Read full statement below:
Today, we convene in a somber atmosphere, compelled to address a pressing issue of profound gravity that has emerged within the hallowed halls of our nation’s premier oil entity, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd). With deep regret and a profound sense of dismay, we acknowledge the startling admission by NNPC Ltd, under the stewardship of Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, that it has accrued a staggering debt of $6.8 billion—a stark reversal of their initial assertions, which vehemently dismissed such claims as baseless and unfounded.
This astonishing admission not only validates the conspicuous financial encumbrance that NNPC has become but also raises fundamental questions regarding the leadership and governance style of Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd. His tenure has been characterized by an unacceptable lack of transparency, accountability, and fiscal prudence, culminating in this colossal debt that threatens the very fabric of our national economy.
It has become painfully evident that the national oil corporation’s financial woes commenced early this year, when overdue payments for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, skyrocketed to an alarming $3 billion. Regrettably, this figure has since ballooned to an unprecedented $6.8 billion, representing a staggering 100% increase since April, as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) grapples with the unsustainable disparity between fixed pump prices and escalating international fuel costs.
This shocking revelation has sparked widespread consternation, igniting a maelstrom of confusion, distrust, and disillusionment among the Nigerian populace. The very foundation of our institutions’ integrity is being eroded, casting a dark shadow on the nation’s future.
As the APC Youth Solidarity Network, we are profoundly dismayed by this disturbing development. As representatives of the youth and prospective leaders of this great nation, we cannot idly stand by while the credibility and trustworthiness of our institutions are mercilessly compromised.
How can we, the standard-bearers of Nigeria’s future, acquiesce to this systemic failure, which undermines the very fabric of our national identity? The APC Youth Solidarity Network will not remain silent in the face of this unfolding crisis.
Mr. Mele Kyari’s tenure has precipitated a crisis of confidence, rendering him an untenable moral and economic liability, not only to Mr President, but also to the nation at large. His prolonged occupation of office has devolved into an unmitigated embarrassment, casting a pall of shame not merely on the All Progressives Congress (APC) but on the entirety of Nigerians who rightfully demand transparency, accountability, and visionary leadership from institutions critical to our national well-being.
A poignant question echoes through the corridors of our collective conscience: How can we credibly entertain the narratives proffered by NNPC Ltd when they have so flagrantly flouted the principles of truthfulness and integrity? The stark inconsistency between their August 18th press release, which categorically denied any outstanding debts, and today’s admission of culpability, has spawned an environment of pervasive uncertainty.
Nigerians are now confronted with an existential dilemma: what to believe and whom to trust? The erosion of trust in our national institutions undermines the very fabric of our society, threatening our collective future.
This issue transcends mere financial accountability; it is a bad reflection of our nation’s pride and integrity. The citizens of Nigeria rightfully demand and deserve leadership that embodies transparency, consistency, and accountability, one that unswayed by the short tides of public opinion.
We, the APC Youth Solidarity Network, resolutely maintain that the time has arrived for Mr. Mele Kyari to assume full responsibility for this leadership failure. It is imperative that he relinquish his position, thereby sparing our nation further international embarrassment and ridicule.
Regrettably, Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil exporter, finds itself in the incongruous position of importing virtually all its fuel requirements. This anomaly is obviously a direct consequence of years of systemic neglect and mismanagement of our state-owned oil refineries. Furthermore, the selfish interests and lack of visionary leadership within our oil and gas sector have hindered the optimal utilization of the newly commissioned 650,000 barrel-per-day Dangote refinery. Instead of producing marketable petrol for domestic consumption, this facility is compelled to export other fuels abroad, exacerbating our nation’s energy woes.
This critical moment serves as a clarion call for transformative change, heralding a new era of transparency, accountability, and visionary leadership. We fervently implore Mr. Mele Kyari to relinquish his position, paving the way for fresh leadership that embodies the sacred values of openness, integrity, and responsibility that our citizens rightfully deserve.
Mr. Kyari’s protracted occupation of office has devolved into an unrelenting source of embarrassment, tarnishing the reputation of our esteemed party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Nigerian people. We urge him to take the noble path of resignation, immediately relinquishing his duties to spare our nation further discomfort, reputational damage, and international ridicule.
By resigning, Mr. Kyari would demonstrate his commitment to integrity, accountability, and the values that our party holds sacrosanct. The youth of this nation are vigilantly observing, and we demand leadership that mirrors our aspirations for a brighter, and more prosperous future.
To this end, we issue a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to take swift, and decisive action in addressing this crisis. Mr. President, we implore you to:
- Facilitate the immediate resignation of Mr. Mele Kyari as Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, thereby ending his tenure of questionable leadership.
- Initiate a comprehensive, impartial investigation into NNPC’s financial dealings, aiming to unravel the circumstances surrounding the staggering $6 billion debt.
- Implement stringent measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the corporation’s fiscal discipline and transparency.
Through these decisive measures, we aim to achieve a trifecta of transformative outcomes: restoring the tarnished integrity of NNPC Ltd, upholding the sacred values of our party, and revitalizing the eroded trust of the Nigerian people.
Moreover, we seek to rekindle faith in our institutions, ensuring that those entrusted with leadership roles are strongly committed to the prosperity and progress of our great nation.
As a party, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to upholding the timeless values of transparency, accountability, and exemplary governance. We shall persist in advocating for a Nigeria where accountability reigns supreme, and our leaders are held to the highest standards of integrity, probity, and moral rectitude.
Our vision is of a nation where leadership is characterized by selflessness, transparency, and an unyielding dedication to the well-being of all citizens. We will tirelessly strive to create an environment where accountability is not merely an aspiration but a lived reality.
NEWS
Governor AbdulRazaq inspects ongoing Kwara’s Indoor Sports Hall project
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq visited the Kwara Stadium Complex to evaluate the progress of the ongoing revival of the indoor sports hall.The rehabilitation and upgrade of the indoor sports complex began a few months ago after the Governor’s administration approved the project. The facility, which was last upgraded in 1991, is undergoing significant renovations awarded to Messr Disscom Ltd.Once completed, the indoor sports hall will join a number of other previously dilapidated sports facilities that Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration has successfully rehabilitated in the past five years. Additionally, the administration has completed the construction of a modern table tennis hall and a squash court complex. Notably, the squash court complex is highly regarded in Nigeria and West Africa for hosting the highest number of modern squash courts in one location.
NEWS
Ekiti Governor Honours Primate Ayodele’s Late Father, Names Street After Him
The governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji has honoured the Primate Elijah Ayodele’s late father by naming a street after him in Ikere-Ekiti.The street which used to be ‘Area One’ where the prophet’s church in Ekiti is located has now been registered as Ayomate Avenue.According to reports, the renaming took the combined efforts of the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Alagbado, his chiefs, the local government chairmen, and ultimately, the governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji.According to the governor, the street was named in recognition of the good works done by the late father of Primate Ayodele and the continuation of the good works by the prophet. He also recognized the efforts of the prophet to drive economic growth in the community.Primate Ayodele embraced the development while expressing appreciation to the governor for honouring God in such a manner. The prophet applauded the governor for his efforts towards bringing development to Ikere-Ekiti and promised that the presence of his church will in turn lead to more economic development in the local government.Furthermore, Primate Ayodele promised that he would begin by sinking boreholes across the local government to support the government in solving the water crisis.‘’I appreciate the governor for the magnanimous development of naming this vicinity after our church, it’s indeed marvellous in God’s sight. This is a testament to his love for God and the people of Ekiti state.”“I also want to appreciate him for the development he started in Ikere-Ekiti local government, the people are happy with him and above all, God is happy with him for all he is doing”“I want to promise His Excellency that our presence here will bring a new dawn to this vicinity, we will also assist the government. We will be sinking boreholes across the local government to solve the water crisis.’’History has it that Primate Ayodele’s father was one of the most respected individuals in Ikere-Ekiti who brought good tidings to the community and provided succour for individuals who needed help.Consequently, Primate Ayodele has been engaging in humanitarian activities on a large scale across the country. Since he opened a branch in Ikere-Ekiti, Primate Ayodele has organized charitable programmes thrice which involved selling a bag of rice for N20,000, scholarships for youths, empowerment for widows, to mention but a few.
NEWS
BREAKING: Gov Abdulrazaq approves bonus for Kwara workers to ease economic burden
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has approved a financial bonus that is equivalent to the monthly PAYE obligation for every civil servant in the state, including local government workers.
The emergency support measure will last for at least three months, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Finance Dr. Hauwa Nuru.
“This bonus has been approved as a buffer to bridge the gap that the correct PAYE deduction may have wrought on the newly implemented mininum wage. It is meant to serve as a soothing balm as workers adjust to the PAYE that was just correctly implemented in line with the Personal Income Tax Act,” she said.
“The payment of the bonus is effective from October and will run till December 2024. This is a significant step by His Excellency to support workers.”
The statement added that workers who have not registered with the Kwara State Residents’ Registration Agency (KWSRRA) should do so immediately because anyone without it will not get the bonus for November and December.
The statement said labour unions have also agreed to a refund of the special levy deducted from workers’ salary and suspension of deductions of same until further notice.
“Governor AbdulRazaq’s directive to deliver this relief speaks volumes about his humanity and his commitment to the welfare of Kwara workforce,” Dr. Nuru stated.
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