Abuja witnessed a surge of public outrage on Monday as demonstrators demanded the immediate removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), citing the ongoing fuel scarcity that has gripped the nation.
Protesters, led by the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations, gathered at Unity Fountain, expressing their frustration through chants and banners that criticised Kyari’s leadership.
One banner read, “We are tired of fuel scarcity and stories on why refineries are not working. ” This reflects the growing discontent among Nigerians.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana further amplified the concerns during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He attributed fuel scarcity and the rising cost of living to mismanagement within the NNPCL.
He described the situation as a “monumental fraud” and called for transparency and accountability.
Aminu Abbas, the protest convener, urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action.
“The fuel scarcity we endure today is not just a mere inconvenience; it is a calculated perpetuation of suffering,” Abbas stated, highlighting the increasing hardships ordinary Nigerians face under Kyari’s leadership.
“The time to act is now. Mr Kyari must be shown the way out, and the NNPCL must be reformed to serve the interests of all Nigerians. We will not be silenced,” Abbas stated.
