Diaspora Professionals Decry Attacks on Mele Kyari

Diaspora Professionals Decry Attacks on Mele Kyari

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Professionals in Diaspora (NPID) has condemned what it described as “baseless attacks” and unwarranted restrictions on the personal accounts of Mallam Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

At a world press conference in London on Wednesday, the group warned that the treatment of Kyari could discourage Nigerian professionals abroad from returning home to serve.

NPID President, Dr. Olawale Oguntonade, said “This type of vindictive attack is not good for Nigeria. It sends the wrong signal to hardworking professionals who may consider returning to serve their fatherland.

“If a man like Mele Kyari, who gave his all to reposition NNPCL, can be harassed, what encouragement remains for diaspora Nigerians?”

Oguntonade noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had publicly commended Kyari for repositioning the oil sector. He recalled the president’s remarks in August 2023 during the signing of a $7 billion gas deal, where Tinubu described Kyari as a reformer who attracted global investors, as well as his October 2023 statement crediting him with turning NNPCL into a profit-making company for the first time in 44 years.

The NPID pointed to Kyari’s record of achievements, including the declaration of profits of N287 billion in 2020, N674 billion in 2021, and a record-breaking N3.3 trillion in 2023.

It also cited his Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) Initiative which led to the publication of audited accounts for the first time in the company’s history.

According to the group, Kyari was instrumental in driving landmark projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, the Kolmani Integrated Oil and Gas Development Project, and the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline.

He was also credited with restoring investor confidence by resolving long-standing disputes with international oil companies, paving the way for multi-billion-dollar investments, and stabilising fuel supply nationwide through “Operation White.”

“These are concrete results that no amount of propaganda can erase,” Oguntonade declared.

While commending the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its anti-corruption efforts, the NPID criticised what it called its misguided actions against Kyari.

“Public service is not a crime Targeting reformers like Kyari discourages Nigerians in the diaspora from returning to serve and risks demoralising dedicated patriots at home,” Oguntonade said.

The group appealed to President Tinubu to protect Kyari from “disgruntled elements” who, it alleged, lost access to corrupt practices in the oil sector due to his reforms.

“Mr. President, history will not forgive us if we allow enemies of progress to destroy reformers. Kyari deserves a national honour, not persecution,” Oguntonade stated.

The NPID demanded the immediate lifting of restrictions on Kyari’s accounts and called for a probe into those sponsoring the attacks. It also announced plans to honour him in the United Kingdom in November 2025, with President Tinubu and the UK Prime Minister expected as special guests.

“Today, it is Mele Kyari; tomorrow, it could be another patriot. Nigeria must protect her reformers, not persecute them. His legacy cannot be destroyed by those who failed to hold Nigeria captive under their corrupt grip,” Oguntonade stated.