Coalition Condemns CNPP's Plan to Blackmail NNPC, Kyari

 

The Coalition for Good Governance and Open Leadership in Nigeria has condemned an alleged premeditated plot to blackmail the Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr Mele Kyari.

 

The Convener of the group, Mr Declan Ihekaire, who spoke on behalf of the group at a news conference at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja on Thursday, alleged that the defunct Conference of Nigeria Political Party (CNPP) was plotting the move, which he said could undermine national security.

 

Ihekaire said that the group was committed to the cause of ensuring Probity and Transparency in governance, as much as they believe, that such must be devoid of political interference of unfounded claims. 

 

He also accused the CNPP of being sponsored by a self styled Billionaire whistle-blower,  George Udoh, who it claimed is on a mission to Blackmail the company,  after several failed attempts, at extorting the GCEO, Mele Kyari. 

 

 

“Over the past few weeks, there has been a sustained campaign of calumny, against the management and the group Chief Executive of the Nation’s flagship oil company, that is, the NNPC.

 

“This also coincided, with the time, that our group have been involved, in independently investigating the activities of the NNPC, viz the effort being made by the company, in respect of the removal of fuel subsidies, and the commitment of the NNPC, in delivering its mandate to Nigerians.

 

“We have since noticed, series of attempt, by some individuals, masquerading as crime investigators and civil society leaders, to exploit the series of questions that have been raised by Nigerians, in respect of the activities of the NNPC, in order to blackmail and extort the company,” Ihekaire said.

 

According to him, the group, after due diligence, realised that the blackmail was being sponsored by a self-acclaimed billionaire, hiding under whistle blowers policy.

 

Ihekaire, who emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in the functioning of public institutions, especially those as crucial as the NNPC, said that national security must not be jeopardised.

 

“We firmly believe that it is our duty as citizens and organizations committed to good governance to ensure that any allegations of wrongdoing are thoroughly investigated, and justice is served if needed.

 

“At the same time, we must also ensure that these allegations are not used as a  political weapon to achieve ulterior motives that could jeopardize the stability and the progress of the NNPC.

 

“Allegations of corruption or misconduct should never be wielded as a political tool for the sole purpose of tarnishing reputations and creating chaos within the organisation,” he said.

 

He added that the blackmailers were embarking on a campaign after their failure to get attention from the NNPC.

 

“We want transparency in government at all cost, but blackmailers and politicians must not make it an industry.

“We urge NNPC to remain transparent and support President Tinubu effort at repositioning the oil sector,” he said.

 

He also said that the blackmailers also attempted to blackmail the 8th National Assembly into believing  tales by moonlight about this spurious allegation of missing crude oil sale, and when the plan failed, now recruited one faction of the defunct CNPP.

 

“It should also be noted that the State Security Service has already concluded their investigation into the same subject matter and began prosecution of these blackmailers while their accomplices are also undergoing investigation.

“It is essential to maintain a fair and impartial approach to any allegations made against public officials, including those leading vital institutions like the NNPC.

 

“Such matters should be addressed through appropriate channels, such as law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, to guarantee a just and objective process,” he said.

 

Ihekaire noted that the National Assembly, had conducted a diligent probe of these allegations and had cleared the air, “over these phantom claims by these elements, whose ultimate objective is to seek the removal of the GCEO of NNPC, Mr Kyari.

 

“We urge Nigerians to be mindful of the antics of these latter day anti-corruption crusaders, whose ultimate, is to blackmail unsuspecting Nigerians, for selfish gains.

 

He emphasised that the coalition  is committed to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.

 

The activist then encouraged all stakeholders to act responsibly, ethically, and with the best interests of Nigeria in mind.

 

“Any allegation of misconduct must be handled through appropriate legal channels to ensure a just and unbiased outcome,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Gbenga Soloki from the Campaign Against Impunity and Domestic Violence, said that people hide under whistle blowing to caused tension in the country, saying anyone with factual issues should approach relevant security agencies.

 

In his contributions, Mr Sina Loremikan  said that “in our demand for justice, we should be mindful to ensure justice for the accused, victims and the society.”

He said that there had been panic buying of petroleum and that no one could give an account what happened.

 

The event was organised by the Campaign for Democracy, Centre for Transparency in Leadership and other allied civil society groups.