Abuja witnesses significant protests as residents express frustration over ongoing fuel scarcity, affecting daily life and commerce.
On Monday, a large group of protesters took to the streets in Abuja calling for the immediate removal of Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited. They were dissatisfied with his handling of ongoing fuel shortages across the country.
The protest follows the recent confession by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited that its significant debt to suppliers is putting the continuous supply of sustainable fuel at risk.
In addition to other concerns, the corporation emphasized that its operations are under immense pressure due to financial strain and fuel supplies’ stability is being put in jeopardy.
Femi Falana, a lawyer specializing in human rights, expressed worries about how the increased cost of living and the unjustified increase in petrol prices resulting in its scarcity have caused fewer vehicles to be on Nigeria’s roads.
During an appearance as a guest on Politics Today with Channels Television on Sunday, Falana emphasized the need to reveal the “monumental fraud” plaguing fuel importation in Nigeria.
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The protestors voiced their frustration with fuel scarcity and the lack of working refineries through solidarity songs and exhibiting various banners. The messages on these banners included ‘Kyari’s leadership lacks direction’, and ‘Transparency needed in NNPCL matters’. They criticized Kyari, stating that his tenure has resulted in a disappointing performance which leaves much to be desired.
Speaking to reporters at Unity Fountain following the rally in Abuja, Aminu Abbas, who leads the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations expressed his bewilderment as to why a prosperous country such as Nigeria, with an abundance of oil reserves should still face severe fuel shortages.
He urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and other leaders to take immediate action. He demanded that they stand with the people, rather than those who benefit from their suffering. It is imperative that Mr Kyari be removed, and necessary reforms must be implemented in NNPCL for the welfare of all Nigerians. We will not remain voiceless on this matter.
Today’s fuel scarcity is not just a mere inconvenience, but rather a deliberate perpetuation of suffering. With no solution in sight under the leadership of Mr Kyari, the situation has only worsened. What efforts has he made to alleviate this crisis? It appears that maintaining a status quo that favors only an elite few at the expense of mass hardship is his intention.
Mr. Kyari’s leadership has become synonymous with gross incompetence and mismanagement, resulting in the arduous challenge for us as citizens to endure never-ending queues, inflated prices, and daily uncertainty regarding fueling our vehicles or powering our homes.
