From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Sequel to the embargo placed on the accounts of the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Mele Kyari, the Nigeria Professionals in Diaspora (NPID), has warned that such treatment would deter most Nigerians from taking up federal or state appointments.
It described the action as “baseless attacks” and unwarranted restrictions on the personal bank accounts of Kyari, by court under the behest of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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NPID President, Olawale Oguntonade, in a statement yesterday, said: “Public service is not a crime. Targeting reformers like Kyari discourages Nigerians in the diaspora from returning to serve and risks demoralizing dedicated patriots at home.
“This type of vindictive attack is not good for Nigeria. It sends a wrong signal to hardworking professionals who may consider returning to serve their fatherland.
“If a man like Mele Kyari, who gave his all to reposition NNPCL, can be harassed, what encouragement remains for diaspora Nigerians?”
Oguntonade highlighted President Tinubu’s public commendations of Kyari’s achievements.
According to him, in August 2023, Tinubu hailed Kyari as a reformer ,who repositioned the oil industry to attract global investors during the signing of a $7 billion gas deal.
He added that in October 2023, the president praised Kyari’s dedication, noting that under his leadership, NNPCL recorded profits for the first time in 44 years, transitioning from a loss-making entity to a profit-making giant.
“Kyari’s transformative contributions to Nigeria’s oil sector, including: Financial Turnaround: Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPCL declared profits of N287 billion in 2020, N674 billion in 2021, and a record-breaking N3.3 trillion in 2023.
“Kyari introduced the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) Initiative, publishing audited financial statements for the first time in NNPCL’s history.
“Major Projects: He spearheaded initiatives like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, the Kolmani Integrated Oil & Gas Development Project, and the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline.
“Kyari resolved disputes with international oil companies, paving the way for investments like the $10 billion Bonga South-East deepwater project.
“ Through “Operation White,” he curbed fuel smuggling and ensured a stable supply of petroleum products nationwide.
“These are concrete results that no amount of propaganda can erase,” Oguntonade stated.
He urged President Tinubu, who he praised for delivering democratic dividends and steering Nigeria away from economic collapse, “to intervene and protect Kyari from disgruntled elements.
While commending the EFCC for its anti-corruption efforts, he criticized its actions against Kyari as misguided.
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