Hundreds of young Nigerian professionals on Wednesday stormed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Abuja, demanding that the country to deport Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, to answer questions over alleged corruption during his tenure.
The protesters, under the aegis of Young Professionals Forum (YPF), said Kyari’s presence in Nigeria is required in the probe of the financial activities of the national oil company during his tenure as group chief executive officer.
The group accused Kyari of sabotaging local refining efforts, enriching himself, and damaging Nigeria’s economy. They urged the UAE to deny him asylum and blacklist him to ensure accountability.
Barrister Sambari Benjamin, who spoke for the protesters, noted that Kyari’s alleged corrupt practices have had far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economy, particularly the country’s energy sector.
According to the protesters, Kyari’s tenure was marked by alleged deliberate obstruction of local refining initiatives, disregard for national interests and personal enrichment.
They further alleged that Kyari’s actions as NNPCL boss had crippled national productivity and drained Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. They equally alleged that it has increased the vulnerability of consumers to adulterated petroleum products.
The Young Professionals Forum urged the UAE government to refuse Kyari residency and asylum. The protesters, in the same vein, requested that Kyari be blacklisted to prevent his escape from justice.
Speaking during the protest, Benjamin said, “We believe that Mele Kyari’s actions have brought shame to our nation and our people. His alleged corrupt practices have had devastating consequences for our economy and our people. We cannot stand idly by while those in positions of authority abuse their power for personal gain.
“We urge the UAE government to refuse Kyari residency, asylum, and to blacklist him to prevent his escape from justice. The Nigerian people demand accountability and transparency, and we will not rest until justice is served”.
The protesters urged the UAE government to uphold its commitment to international cooperation and justice by denying Kyari refuge.
