Fuel Subsidy: Rep Members, others demand immediate sack of NNPCL GMD, Kyari
….say fuel queues, prices not abating
….overdependence on fossil fuels make Nigerians vulnerable to price fluctuations
…mobilize for mass protest, writes Tinubu
As Nigerians get more frustrated and impoverished after the removal of fuel subsidy and no palliative measures, 50 serving Members of House of Representatives led by Hon Philip Agbese and Hon Peter Akpanke, on Tuesday, called for the immediate sack of the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, Engr Mele Kyari, over poor handling of the crisis and performance so far.
The reports gathered that Hon Agbese and Hon Akpanke led the other 50 Honourable Members, the CSOs were led by Comrade Yusuf Suleiman and Comrade Yetunde Akinfenwa.
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At the World Press Conference, the Honourable members and the CSOs declared that Mele Kyari must be removed as the situation is getting out of hand and the economy also gasping for breath.
Hon Peter Akpanke is Deputy Chairman, House Committee on FCT Area Councils, while Dr Philip Agbese is the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Publicity.
The address read during the press conference reads thus: “We, the Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, have gathered here today to address a matter of utmost significance that affects each and every Nigerian.
“As representatives of the Nigerian people, it is our duty to speak up when we witness the suffering and distress caused by the actions or inactions of public officials.
“Today, we call for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), based on the recent hike in fuel prices and the resulting scarcity across the nation.
“Fuel is the lifeblood of our economy, and any disruption in its availability or exorbitant price increases can have severe consequences for the ordinary citizens who rely on it for their daily transportation and livelihoods.
“The recent fuel scarcity and price hikes have caused significant hardship for the Nigerian people – disrupting businesses, hindering agricultural activities, and burdening families with additional expenses.
“The GCEO of NNPCL, as the head of this crucial National institution, has failed in his duty to ensure a stable supply of fuel at affordable prices.”
They pointed out that the government has also failed to keep to its promises to Nigerians.
“It is a matter of great concern that despite the promises made by the government to address this issue, the problems persist, causing untold suffering to our citizens.
“It has also come to our knowledge that there is a grand plot to sabotage the good world of President Tinubu through this persistent scarcity or how else can you describe the nonchalance of the Kyari towards this scarcity.
However, the lawmakers made it clear that, “We are not here to merely criticize. We are here to demand immediate action.
“The Nigerian people cannot afford to continue enduring the consequences of this fuel crisis. We call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take swift and decisive action by removing the current GCEO of NNPCL and appointing a competent replacement who can effectively address the challenges in the petroleum sector.
“The GCEO of NNPCL holds a position of immense responsibility, and with that responsibility comes accountability.
“We cannot tolerate a situation where the masses suffer while those in power fail to take the necessary steps to alleviate their plight. We, as representatives of the Nigerian people, will not stand idly by while this crisis deepens.”
They further stated that, “In addition to the immediate removal of the GCEO, we also call for a comprehensive investigation into the root causes of these recurring fuel problems.
“We need to identify the systemic failures and hold accountable all those responsible for the mismanagement that has contributed to this crisis.”
Meanwhile, the lawmakers and CSOs called on the Tinubu-led administration to find alternative energy source to fossil fuel as Nigerians are now at the mercy of international oil price fluctuations.
“Moreover, we urge the government and relevant regulatory bodies to take steps to diversify our energy sources.
“Overdependence on fossil fuels leaves us vulnerable to price fluctuations, which in turn negatively impact the economy and the livelihoods of our people.
“It is high time we explore and invest in alternative energy sources to mitigate the impact of such crises in the future”, they said.
They maintained that, “In conclusion, we, the Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, stand united in our call for the removal of the GCEO of NNPCL due to his failure to effectively manage a stable fuel supply system.
“Our duty is to the Nigerian people, and we will continue to demand accountability from those entrusted with the crucial task of managing our nation’s petroleum resources.
“We believe that by taking decisive action, we can restore confidence in the petroleum sector, safeguard the nation’s economy, and ensure that the Nigerian people no longer suffer the consequences of fuel scarcity and exorbitant prices.”
