No plans to sack Kyari, says NNPCL
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has disputed claims that its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, may be fired.NNPC spokeswoman Olufemi Soneye confirmed in an interview on Friday that there are no plans to replace Kyari, despite suspicions circulating following a recent shakeup inside the organisation.
An international newspaper predicted that Kyari could be pushed to resign by the end of the year, however the NNPC has denied these allegations.
"As the Nigerian National Petroleum Company undergoes a leadership upheaval, group CEO Mele Kyari may be compelled to leave before the end of the year.
"Insiders tell The Africa Report that more changes will follow in the coming weeks, culminating in the removal of Kyari as CEO," according to the daily.
According to one source, "Kyari has been in danger for quite some time." He has informed confidantes of his intention to leave. He will most likely leave within the next several weeks.
Soneye dismissed the report of Mele Kyari's likely removal as "baseless speculation."
He also questioned if the international newspaper in question was Kyari's employer, stating that such rumours were unfounded and should not be taken seriously.
"One would ask if they were the ones who hired Mele Kyari, given their obvious knowledge of his career intentions. "Such baseless speculation is not only laughable, but it also demonstrates the lengths some will go to create immature narratives," Soneye stated.
Soneye endeavoured to clarify the situation, highlighting Mele Kyari's excellent leadership in propelling the NNPC to success.
He stated that under Kyari's leadership, the NNPC went from running at a loss to reporting profits.
He also mentioned the company's recent achievement of producing 1.8 million barrels per day, which he claimed demonstrated Kyari's successful leadership and beneficial impact on the energy sector.
"Let's be clear: GCEO Mele Kyari is doing an outstanding job, leading Nigeria's energy sector to unparalleled success. Under his direction, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has turned a profit after years of losses—a remarkable feat. We just surpassed a production milestone of 1.8 million barrels per day yesterday (Thursday), which demonstrates his constant dedication," he stated.
The spokesman added that the NNPC chairman is still completely committed to realising President Bola Tinubu's agenda for strengthening the energy industry.
"Mr Kyari remains committed to implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision for sector progress and development, as well as maintaining our country's energy security. So, to answer the rumour, he said, "it's as credible as a mirage in the desert."
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