Civil Society Groups Decry Attacks on Mele Kyari, Urge Support for Reform in Oil Sector

Civil Society Groups Decry Attacks on Mele Kyari, Urge Support for Reform in Oil Sector

...Accuse Oil Merchants of Sponsoring Smear Campaigns, Call on Ojulari to Resist Monopolistic Pressure

Abuja, Nigeria — A coalition of civil society organizations under the banner of the Amalgamated Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria (ACN) has condemned ongoing smear campaigns against the immediate past Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Malam Mele Kolo Kyari.

In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by Comrade Wale Adegoke, National Coordinator, and Comrade Musa Abdullahi, General Secretary, the group accused powerful oil interests of orchestrating protests and misinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting Kyari’s legacy and derailing reform in the country’s energy sector.

According to the ACN, Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL was marked by a firm stance against monopolistic practices and entrenched interests that have long stifled competition and transparency in the oil industry. The group noted that these reforms, which include refinery revitalization and improved operational efficiency, earned the company recognition from global institutions like OPEC, the IMF, and the World Bank.

“Kyari’s leadership broke the cycle of sabotage and dependency that plagued Nigeria’s oil sector for decades,” said Comrade Adegoke. “His commitment to transparency and competition rattled vested interests who now seek to rewrite history through blackmail and media propaganda.”

The ACN described recent protests in Nigeria and abroad, allegedly bankrolled by oil merchants, as calculated attempts to pressure Kyari’s successor, Mr. Ojulari, into reversing progress made in the sector.

“These protests are not organic expressions of concern but carefully coordinated efforts to destabilize the sector and reinstate monopolistic control,” said Comrade Abdullahi. “We urge Mr. Ojulari to remain steadfast and not yield to these corrupt forces.”

The coalition warned that the resurgence of economic sabotage through misinformation and character assassination poses a serious threat to national development. It called on the government to launch a thorough investigation into the sponsors of the protests and ensure that accountability prevails.

“The same forces that sabotaged refineries, promoted fuel import dependency, and undermined local productivity are behind these attacks,” the statement read. “We must not allow them to undo the gains made under Kyari’s administration.”

The ACN called on the media and the Nigerian public to be vigilant and resist attempts to manipulate public opinion against reform-minded leaders. The group emphasized that Nigeria’s energy future depends on protecting transparency, promoting competition, and preserving the reforms initiated under Kyari.

“These reforms align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Buhari administration’s legacy,” Adegoke stated. “We cannot allow short-sighted interests to jeopardize Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.”

The group reiterated its commitment to defending ethical leadership and national progress. “We stand with leaders who put the country first,” said Abdullahi. “Eternal vigilance is the price of protecting Nigeria’s oil sector from regression.”

In closing, the ACN condemned the use of unverified allegations, media propaganda, and foreign-sponsored protests, urging Nigerians to reject such tactics and stand firm in support of national interest and democratic progress.