"Yoruba Youth Council Defends Mele Kyari, Slams Probe Demand"

By Shu'iabu Sani, Kaduna

The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has condemned a group led by Comrade Kabir Matazu for calling for the probe and prosecution of Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The group, styled as Concerned Citizens Against Corruption, had protested at the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice's office, demanding Kyari's prosecution over alleged non-payment of a $2 billion debt to a company.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Eric Oluwole, the YYC faulted the group's call, describing it as "narrow, selfish, unjustifiable, unpatriotic, and uncalled for." The council highlighted Kyari's achievements during his tenure, which it said justified commendation and applause rather than persecution.

According to the YYC, "An objective view of the grievances of the protesters shows that the so-called anti-corruption group is hiding under that noble cloak to fight for interests that are purely personal, narrow, selfish, and unpatriotic." The council questioned why the group focused solely on the alleged debt issue while ignoring other pressing national issues, such as the escalating fuel pump price and disputes between NNPCL and private refineries.

The YYC listed several achievements of Kyari's administration, including the NNPC's rebirth through the Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence (TAPE) initiative, discovery of oil in the Kolmani River-II Well, and settlement of the Escravos gas-to-liquids (EGTL) cost dispute with Chevron Nigeria Limited. The council argued that Kyari's contributions to the nation's economy deserved recognition rather than vilification.

"We note satisfactorily that Kyari, who left office on April 2, 2025, and assumed duties on July 8, 2019, recorded many laudable achievements that have transformed the company to what is known today as the NNPCL," the YYC said. The council urged Nigerians to appreciate Kyari's service and called on the government to focus on resolving the nation's pressing issues rather than pursuing personal vendettas.