The Amalgamated Civil Societies of Nigeria (ACN) has accused powerful interest groups within the oil industry of orchestrating a smear campaign against Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, the immediate past Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), in what it describes as a desperate attempt to derail President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.
In a press statement jointly signed by its Convener, Comrade Wale Adegoke, and Secretary, Malam Musa Abdullahi, the coalition said it had uncovered a coordinated plot by faceless actors described as the “Dirty Oil Mafia.” These actors, according to the ACN, are sponsoring false media reports, protests, and unfounded allegations in a bid to discredit Kyari’s legacy and paint him as an obstacle to the Tinubu administration.
“These elements, driven by greed and self-interest, are attempting to sow discord between the President and Mr. Kyari by spreading lies, staging protests, and publishing fabricated stories,” the group said. “Their goal is to erase the transformative achievements Kyari brought to the oil and gas sector and roll back the reforms that threatened their monopoly.”
The ACN emphasized that Kyari’s tenure brought significant strides in transparency, accountability, and the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure. It noted that some of the loudest critics today are individuals and entities who felt threatened by Kyari’s insistence on fair competition and rejection of underhanded deals.
“They are angry that Kyari resisted the unethical acquisition of national assets at giveaway prices and refused to edge out companies like Oando PLC in favor of monopolistic interests,” the statement read. “These same actors, who previously mismanaged privatized national assets, now hide behind blackmail and fake narratives to cover their tracks.”
The group dismissed recent rumors of Kyari’s arrest or investigation as fabricated by fifth columnists, insisting that he is not under any legal scrutiny and remains a free citizen. According to the ACN, these false reports are intended to mislead the public and destabilize the Tinubu-led government.
“Kyari’s refusal to align with exploitative interests has made him a target,” the statement continued. “He deserves to retire in peace and be remembered for his patriotic service, not be vilified by those who put profit above national interest.”
While expressing confidence in the new GMD of NNPCL, Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the coalition urged him to remain focused on reforms aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, cautioning against being swayed by those seeking to rewrite history to suit their agenda.
The ACN warned the alleged cabal and their collaborators to cease their campaign of blackmail or risk public exposure. “Enough is enough. Nigeria belongs to a new generation that believes in transparency, competition, and merit, not monopoly and deceit,” the group declared.
It concluded by calling on Nigerians, media houses, and relevant stakeholders to remain alert and avoid being used as tools in a dangerous plot to destabilize national progress and destroy the reputation of those who have served the country with integrity.
