From Idu Jude, Abuja
The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), in collaboration with the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the arrest of the former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.
The group, in a joint press statement on Thursday, viewed this bold action as a long-awaited step in the right direction, especially given the gravity of allegations surrounding the multi-billion-dollar Turnaround Maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries, which have remained comatose despite billions of dollars purportedly expended under Kyari’s watch.
The statement highlights that the Nigerian people have endured decades of monumental fraud, waste, and mismanagement in the oil and gas sector, with the refineries representing the single most glaring example of elite corruption.
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1718806029429-0’); });
The statement further notes, “It is therefore heartening to see the EFCC rise to its constitutional responsibility by interrogating one of the key actors accused in these monumental scandals.
“We categorically call for an uncompromised, thorough, and transparent investigation into the allegations of abuse of office, diversion of public funds, money laundering, and conspiracy linked to the former NNPCL boss and all collaborators within and outside the system. The ongoing probe must not be reduced to a mere public show but must result in the prosecution of all those found culpable, irrespective of their political or economic connections.
“The CNPP and CNCSOs wish to state clearly that if this investigation is compromised or derailed in any way, we will not hesitate to deploy all constitutional and legal instruments available to us, including public interest litigation, mass action, and sustained advocacy campaigns, to ensure that justice is not denied to the Nigerian people.”
Meanwhile, the group has warned that any attempt to sweep this matter under the carpet will amount to a betrayal of public trust and a slap in the face of millions of citizens who continue to suffer from fuel import dependency, subsidy scams, and economic hardship caused by corruption in the oil and gas sector.
The group reminded that this case must therefore serve as a litmus test for the EFCC under its present leadership and as a clear demonstration that no Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, is above the law.
The joint CSOs submit that they stand firmly with the Nigerian people in demanding accountability and stamping out corruption in Nigeria.
The post Kyari arrest: CNPP, CSOs commend EFCC, demand further investigation appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
