Youths under the aegis of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council (NDENYC), have distanced themselves from the recent protest at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) Towers in Abuja, where a group demanded the resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr Bashir Ojulari, over alleged corruption and mismanagement.
The President-General of NDENYC, Mr Terry Obieh, at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, said the demonstration does not in any way represent the interests of Niger Delta youths, industry stakeholders or HOSTCOM.
“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for refusing to be swayed by calls for the sack of the NNPC GCEO.
“We emphasise the need to allow Ojulari continue with the reforms currently being implemented in the company,” Obieh said.
“Ojulari’s reform agenda, including implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), has faced resistance from entrenched interests.
“This has led to misinformation campaigns, including recent false claims of his resignation,” Obieh added.
NDENYC lauded the Presidency for clarifying that Ojulari has not resigned, and acknowledged HOSTCOM and other industry stakeholders who have expressed support for the ongoing changes.
“We understand that resistance to reforms is expected, but we remain confident that transparency will prevail,” Obieh said.
The group advised NNPC Ltd. to maintain standards of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in order to rebuild public trust.
