APC Stakeholders Write Tinubu, Seek Removal Of Kyari, 2 Others

Amid growing concerns over the state of Nigeria's oil and gas sector, a faction within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), operating under the Tinubu Legacy Coalition (TLC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to remove key leaders of the nation's oil and gas regulatory agencies. The coalition has expressed dissatisfaction with the current management, accusing them of failing to address critical issues plaguing the sector.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to President Tinubu, the group urged the dismissal of Mele Kyari, CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Gbenga Komolafe, head of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Farouk Ahmed, who leads the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The letter was signed by Hon Bala Abu, Convener and National President of the TLC, along with Co-Convener Dr. Jeremiah Okino, Secretary Comrade Gabriel Gbana, Dr. Thomas Terna, Princess Ajibola, and 95 other concerned stakeholders.

The TLC’s grievances center on a range of issues, including the persistent fuel crises that have led to widespread shortages and long queues at filling stations across the country. They also highlighted the ongoing challenges of pipeline vandalism and rampant oil theft, which have severely impacted the nation’s oil production and revenue.

Additionally, the group criticized the NNPCL for the repeated delays in the commencement of operations at its refinery in Rivers State, which has reportedly faced at least six postponements. This failure, they argue, exemplifies the broader mismanagement and inefficiencies within the sector.

The APC stakeholders expressed concern that the oil and gas sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has significantly declined, with the country’s global reputation suffering as a result. They allege that the sector has been marred by corruption, lack of transparency, and accountability, leading to substantial financial losses.

In their letter, the TLC stated, "We are compelled to express our deep concern over the state of the nation’s oil and gas industry. Despite the sector’s potential to drive economic growth, it has been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement."

They further added, "The continued stay in office of Mele Kyari, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, and Farouk Ahmed has done more harm than good to the image of President Tinubu. The oil and gas sector is in shambles, with fuel scarcity, pipeline vandalism, and oil theft rampant. The sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP has dwindled, and the country’s reputation has been tarnished."

See The Letter Below;