Daniel Kanu
The Coalition for Good Governance and Open Leadership in Nigeria has kicked against plot to blackmail the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
The group is committed to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The also encourage stakeholders to act responsibly, ethically, and with the best interests of Nigeria.
In a statement by the group after its Press briefing in Lagos, signed by Comrade Declan Ihekaire, it noted that the allegation against the oil giant and its GCEO, were unfouded, baseless and attempt to malign the organisation.
The statement reads in part ‘”We are gathered here as the Coalition for Good Governance and Open Leadership in Nigeria, to address a matter of significant concern. For those who have followed our activities as individual organizations and Coalition, you will agree, with our commitment, to the cause of ensuring Probity and Transparency in governance, as much as we believe, that such must be devoid of political interference of unfounded claims.
‘”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 notice, 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.
“” Earlier today, we were confronted with another in the series of the desperation of these elements, in their premeditated plot to blackmail the management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and its Chief Executive, Mr. Mele Kyari, by the Conference of Nigeria Political Party (CNPP), who after due diligence, we realized was a sponsored project by one self acclaimed Billionaire whistle blower.
“”We want to start by emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in the functioning of public institutions, especially those as crucial as the NNPC.
“” 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”.
The statement noted further that “” we must ensure that these allegations are not used as a political weapon to achieve ulterior motives that could jeopardize the stability and 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 organization.
“‘ 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
“” The originator of this $48 million impossibility who’s a foreigner is currently serving a jail term over this same blackmail issue. His wife and brother are serving jail terms in US over similar issues.
“”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.
“” Let it also be noted, as we intend to share with you here, that the National Assembly, has conducted a diligent probe of these allegations and have 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. This report is available here for Nigerians to see.
“”Furthermore, 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”.