A group, Niger Delta Activists for Renewed Hope (NDARH), has threatened a showdown over the prolonged non-functionality of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries.
The group is also demanding the immediate sack of the Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari within 72 hours.
This stance was made public in a press statement released Thursday morning by Comrade Jack Dickson and Barrister Kingsley Idono, President and Secretary, respectively.
In the statement, NDARH criticized Kyari for the prolonged non-functionality of the refineries despite substantial government investments intended for their rehabilitation.
“Kyari has become exceedingly powerful since the Petroleum Investment Bill was enacted, and he now believes he’s untouchable—even by the President,” the statement reads.
“We in Niger Delta Activists for Renewed Hope will not keep quiet and allow an individual sabotage the agenda of Mr. President. We know how much we suffered to deliver this government in our region and Port Harcourt and Warri refineries were part of the promises we made to our people.
“Another election cycle is coming in 2027, we don’t know what to tell the people to win their votes again. That’s why we must all rise up to fight this ineptitude of Mele Kyari,” the statement added.
The group condemned Kyari’s failure to address the non-functioning refineries, despite prior assurances and significant funding.
They demanded he step down to allow someone else to revive the refineries and ease the burden on Nigerians.
“We in the Niger Delta cannot stay silent while one individual sabotages the President’s agenda,” NDARH added, noting its commitment to hold Kyari accountable for the unmet promises of refinery functionality.
Earlier this week, the coalition led other civil society groups in shutting down the National Assembly complex in Abuja as part of the “Kyari-Must-Go” campaign.
The protestors demanded Kyari’s immediate resignation or removal by President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum Resources.