Niger Delta Movement Denounces Intimidation of Former NNPC Leaders
The Niger Delta Movement for People’s Rights and Development (NDMPRAD) has expressed strong condemnation of intimidation tactics reportedly employed by the self-styled South South Youth Initiative (SSYI) against former leaders of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement released in Warri on Tuesday, Dr. Richard Oloisi, the Executive Director of NDMPRAD, criticized SSYI for targeting prominent figures such as the former Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mr. Mele Kyari, and retired Vice President (Upstream) Mr. Adokye Tombomiye.
NDMPRAD accused SSYI and its National Chairman, Comrade Imeabe Savior, of disseminating false information aimed at discrediting NNPCL executives. The organization pointedly noted that the allegations against Mr. Kyari and Mr. Tombomiye are based on misrepresentations and misleading claims.
SSYI recently asserted that Mr. Tombomiye had overseen the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery during his tenure at NNPC, labelling the project, which reportedly cost $1.5 billion, as a failure. They further claimed that Mr. Tombomiye is to blame for project deficiencies, which involve loans exceeding $1 billion backed by crude oil quotas from the Muhammadu Buhari administration, with repayment expected to commence in 2024 and conclude in 2029.
Responding to these assertions, NDMPRAD categorically dismissed them as unfounded, noting contradictions and inaccuracies in the claims. The organization pointed out that the public statement contains numerous factual errors, particularly regarding Mr. Tombomiye’s title and role within NNPCL.
According to NDMPRAD, Mr. Tombomiye held the positions of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Upstream Division and later became Executive Vice President (Upstream Division). Crucially, they highlighted that refinery operations fall under the Downstream Division, underscoring that the claims reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of NNPCL’s organizational structure.
NDMPRAD emphasized the importance of clarifying these roles, stating that the SSYI’s narrative reveals a lack of familiarity with NNPCL’s corporate governance. They criticized SSYI for the confusion between the Downstream and Upstream divisions and suggested that the organization is engaged in a smear campaign aimed at misleading the public and intimidating dedicated public servants.
The group further decried SSYI’s claims concerning Nigeria’s financial obligations, labeling them as an embarrassing misrepresentation of financial realities. They pointed out that oil-backed loans are repaid based on the actual debt amount, including standard fees, and not simply on inflated figures presented in sensationalized reports.
NDMPRAD also took issue with SSYI’s portrayal of the Senate Public Accounts Committee’s examination of Nigeria’s financial records, arguing that the investigation delves into accumulated balances over six years, rather than cash shortages. They warned that the sensational framing of this inquiry could undermine investor confidence.
Finally, NDMPRAD called on the public to disregard the empty threats and extortion tactics from the SSYI, assuring citizens that the youth of the Niger Delta will not be used as political tools in a smear campaign against individuals who have served the country with integrity.
