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A coalition of northern youth groups has cautioned the Nigerian Senate against what it described as attempts to politically target former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, over alleged discrepancies in the company’s audited financial statements.
The groups, led by the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL), issued the warning in a press statement on Saturday in Abuja in collaboration with the Forum for Youth Development, Unity and Peace Initiative and 21 other civil society organizations.
The statement, signed by the president of the assembly, Amb. Abdul Danbature, expressed concern over the decision by the Senate to summon Kyari in relation to alleged discrepancies amounting to ₦210 trillion in the financial records of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
According to the groups, there has been a growing trend of blackmail and politically motivated accusations aimed at discrediting individuals who have served the country.
“We believe it is important to caution against the growing trend of blackmail, politically motivated accusations and deliberate attempts to discredit individuals who have served this country with dedication,” the statement said.
The youth groups insisted that Kyari demonstrated strong commitment to reforming Nigeria’s oil and gas sector during his tenure as head of the national oil company.
They cited several achievements under his leadership, including the transition of the former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation into a limited liability company in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries, and efforts to improve transparency and monitoring in crude oil production.
The coalition also credited Kyari with expanding gas infrastructure, strengthening energy security and promoting local participation and youth engagement within the oil and gas industry.
The groups described the former NNPCL chief as a patriotic Nigerian who supported the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable economic growth.
They further noted that Kyari had consistently encouraged young Nigerians and supported youth leadership opportunities in strategic sectors of the economy.
“It is unfortunate that after years of service to the nation, attempts are now being made to drag his name into unnecessary controversies capable of distracting him from enjoying his well-deserved retirement,” the statement added.
While acknowledging the constitutional oversight powers of the Senate, the groups urged lawmakers to avoid using such powers for what they described as political witch-hunt or character assassination.
They also called on the Senate to concentrate on pressing national challenges, particularly insecurity affecting communities across northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
The coalition urged Nigerians to treat the allegations against Kyari with caution and resist attempts by individuals or groups seeking to manipulate public opinion for personal or political interests.
The groups further appealed to relevant institutions to allow the former NNPCL chief to enjoy his retirement without harassment or undue distractions.
“Nigeria must always recognize and respect those who have dedicated their time and expertise to national service,” the statement concluded.
Middle-Belt Times 