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Ignore Calls For Kyari’s Sack, Says Coalition
A coalition under the auspices of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption, COCSOAC, Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora, NPID, and Bloggers respectively, came together, Wednesday, to vehemently condemn a section of the country calling on President Bola Tinubu to sack the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Engr Mele Kyari.
The coalition made their stand known during a press conference held in Abuja, where the leaders including Kenneth Emea of Bloggers; Oluwatoyin Animashaun of NPID; and Mohammed Abdullahi of COCSOAC described the accusations leveled against Kyari as unsubstantiated and basically to derail the critical progress he has made in the oil and gas sector.
In an address read during the press conference, the coalition highlighted the landmark achievements by Kyari in the sector.
They said: “We are gathered here today to address the recent attacks and baseless calls for the removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). These unsubstantiated accusations are nothing more than attempts to derail the critical progress that has been achieved under his leadership. We are here to stand in firm support of Mele Kyari and urge the President not to yield to these unfounded demands for his sack.
“Since his appointment as GCEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari has been a transformative force in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, a sector that has long suffered from inefficiencies, corruption, and lack of accountability. Under his watch, there has been a profound shift toward transparency, professionalism, and operational efficiency. His stewardship has saved billions of naira, ensuring that NNPCL can finally act as a reliable and accountable player in the global oil industry while driving national economic growth. Kyari has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to cleaning up the sector, implementing key reforms that have restored investor confidence and positioned Nigeria on the path to energy self-sufficiency.
“One of the landmark achievements under Mele Kyari’s leadership has been the successful transition of NNPC into a limited liability company (NNPCL), operating with greater transparency and subject to industry best practices. This restructuring was crucial for creating a financially viable, market-driven entity that can compete with global oil giants. This historic shift is the result of visionary leadership and dedication to reform—a testament to Kyari’s resolve in transforming NNPCL from a government entity into a commercially viable and profit-driven corporation.
“Moreover, Kyari has been instrumental in reducing the long-standing problem of oil theft, which has cost Nigeria billions of dollars annually. Through strategic partnerships with security agencies, he has championed efforts to curb this menace, enhancing the nation’s revenue base and enabling a fair share of resources for development. Kyari’s efforts are restoring accountability in the oil sector and demonstrating what can be achieved with principled leadership and a commitment to national interests.”
However, the coalition expressed pain and disappointment from some Nigerians who have failed to acknowledge rather intentionally are using a section of the media to disparage and condemn the NNPCL boss.
“We recognize that reform is often met with resistance, especially from those who have benefited from the previous status quo. The recent calls for Kyari’s sack appear to be orchestrated by these interests, who are threatened by the transparency and accountability he has brought to the oil sector. But we stand here today to affirm that Nigeria cannot afford to reverse the gains that have been achieved.
Therefore, they called on President Tinubu not to heed to the calls to sack Kyari, “We call upon the President to remain steadfast and not succumb to these baseless demands. Nigeria needs leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo and work in the best interests of the nation, as Kyari has consistently demonstrated.
“In conclusion, we urge all well-meaning Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to lend their voices to support Mele Kyari and the reforms he has championed.
“Let us reject the divisive tactics of those who seek personal gain at the expense of national progress. The oil sector reforms under Kyari’s leadership have brought us hope and a renewed sense of purpose, and we must not allow vested interests to undermine these achievements.”
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SDGs must be integrated into development plans – FG

The Federal Government has emphasized that achieving the **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)** requires their full integration into national and sub-national development plans rather than treating them as isolated initiatives.
The **Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire**, made this call during the **North-East Regional Consultation in Gombe**, part of Nigeria’s **2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR)** preparations for the **High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York this July**. Represented by **Dr. Bala Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser**, she explained that the **United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)** established the HLPF as a global review mechanism for the 2030 Agenda. Nigeria, now conducting its third VNR, is engaging stakeholders across all six geopolitical zones to assess progress, challenges, and future opportunities.
A statement from her **Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communication, Desmond Utomwen**, highlighted the urgent need to accelerate SDG progress. Citing the **2024 UN Sustainable Development Goals Report**, she revealed that only 17% of SDG targets are on track, nearly 50% show minimal or moderate progress, and over one-third have stalled or regressed. She attributed Nigeria’s slow SDG progress to dwindling financial resources, the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent insecurity.
Orelope-Adefulire stressed the importance of **robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) mechanisms**, including SDG Progress Reports and the VNR, to track achievements and challenges. She called for stronger collaboration among public and private sectors, the UN Development System, donor agencies, academia, and civil society to ensure no one is left behind.
Referring to the **“Pact for the Future”** adopted during the **79th UN General Assembly**, she reaffirmed world leaders’ commitment to bold and transformative actions for SDG acceleration. She also echoed **UN Secretary-General António Guterres’** call for massive investments and strategic partnerships to drive key transitions in food security, energy, and digital connectivity.
She commended **Nigeria’s Multi-Stakeholder Core Working Group for the 2025 VNR**, acknowledging the contributions of members from government agencies, the UN Development System, private sector groups, civil society organizations, and academia.
The **North-East Regional Consultation** brought together 150 participants from six states, focusing discussions on institutional frameworks for SDG implementation, progress across the 17 SDGs, and challenges and lessons learned.
**Gombe State SDGs Focal Person, Engr. Sulaiman Turaki**, described the event as a critical dialogue shaping Nigeria’s next VNR. He urged stakeholders to actively contribute, ensuring the review accurately reflects progress, challenges, and opportunities while ensuring no one is left behind in the country’s development efforts.
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Nnamdi Kanu’s trial under ‘repealed’ law, mere charade – Lawyer

Prominent human rights lawyer, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has raised concerns over the Nigerian government’s plan to prosecute Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the repealed Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013. He described the move as legally unsustainable and urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to reconsider.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Chidera argued that since the 2013 Act has been revoked, it cannot serve as a legal basis for Kanu’s trial.
“Any attempt to prosecute the IPOB leader under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 is legally untenable and procedurally flawed,” he stated.
He warned that continuing with the case under an obsolete law could undermine Nigeria’s justice system and attract international criticism.
Chidera further urged the government to negotiate with Kanu before March 20, 2025, to avoid exposing systemic flaws in the judiciary.
“The section of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 on which the prosecution relies is no longer an active law in Nigeria. The jurisdiction to prosecute Kanu under this Act ceased with its repeal. Continuing with this prosecution would draw scrutiny and criticism both domestically and internationally,” he added.
With Kanu set to represent himself in court on March 21, 2025, legal analysts predict heightened scrutiny of the case.
“Reports that Mazi Kanu will assume his own defence signal a significant shift. His self-representation may reveal inconsistencies and vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s judicial system,” Chidera noted.
Describing the trial as a critical test for Nigeria’s judiciary, Chidera called on Tinubu’s government to seek a diplomatic resolution before the March 20 deadline.
“Political dissent cannot be extinguished by force, and the Biafran struggle will not be subdued by crackdowns or detention without trial,” he emphasised.
As the court date approaches, all eyes remain on how the government will handle the high-stakes legal battle, with potential implications for Nigeria’s political and judicial credibility.
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2027: Stakeholders allege Akpabio, others have sold APC to PDP in Akwa Ibom

ey stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State have raised serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, state party chairman Stephen Ntukekpo, and Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo. The group claims that these leaders have sold out the party to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in return for the latter’s support for Akpabio’s bid for a third term as Senate President in 2027.
The accusations were made public through an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, titled “The Worrisome State of the APC in Akwa Ibom State: A Call for Your Intervention”. The letter was signed by Elder Okokon James, Peter Ibanga, and Chief Victor Affiah, who represent the Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial districts, respectively.
In the letter, the APC stakeholders express their frustration with the actions of the party’s leadership in the state, stating that Ntukekpo and Ekpo have openly claimed to be acting on Akpabio’s orders to deliberately weaken the party in Akwa Ibom. According to the group, this was done to facilitate an easy victory for the PDP in the upcoming 2027 elections. They argue that this arrangement is part of a deal to secure support for Akpabio’s third-term Senate ambitions.
The group warns that if urgent intervention is not taken to revitalize the APC in the state, party members will abandon the party and join a coalition of opposition forces, undermining President Tinubu’s prospects in his second term campaign. They allege that the APC in the state has been effectively dismantled by its own leaders, leaving little support for Tinubu when he visits next year.
“This is a betrayal of trust,” the stakeholders write, accusing Akpabio and Ekpo of undermining the party that helped propel Akpabio to the Senate Presidency. They further allege that if the party’s situation worsens, the responsibility will fall squarely on the shoulders of Akpabio and Ekpo.
The letter also criticizes the inaction of Governor Umo Eno and his team, suggesting that while the Governor is strengthening his political base, APC leaders in the state are failing to make any significant moves to bolster the party.
In response, the Senate President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the allegations, calling them “spurious and mischievous.” Eyiboh defended Akpabio’s efforts, pointing to the numerous appointments the Senate President has secured for party members, which he argues are evidence of his commitment to strengthening the party.
Eyiboh further labeled the signatories of the letter as “non-existent” and stated that the claims were baseless and intended to stir unnecessary controversy.
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