WARRI/Nigeria: The Niger Delta Peoples Assembly (NDPA) has denounced the recent protest in Warri, Delta State, labeling it a “charade” and claiming that a frustrated monarch and illicit oil barons were behind it. The group, led by its National Coordinator, Richard Toritseju Okotie, expressed its astonishment that the event was considered a protest.
The NDPA further asserted that the supposed coalition of 26 youth groups involved in the protest, such as the Niger Delta Youth Association and Niger Delta Women for Change, were non-existent entities. According to the NDPA, the protest was poorly coordinated and lacked purpose.
The group accused the monarch of attempting to manipulate the renewal of his pipelines surveillance contract and failing to secure it, leading to his frustration. They defended Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL), stating that he had a clean record and had contributed positively to the oil industry.
In response to allegations of financial impropriety and poor performance, the NDPA argued that the NNPCL had been extensively audited and found to be in good standing. They also highlighted ongoing refinery rehabilitation efforts and increased crude oil production due to Mele Kyari’s efforts.
The NDPA praised Mele Kyari’s dedication to combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism, citing the support of influential figures like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They urged the President to disregard the protest and emphasized the need to preserve Mele Kyari to continue his work in the national interest.
NDPA affirmed their support for Mele Kyari and his commitment to eradicating illicit activities in the nation’s oil industry, expressing confidence in his endorsement by the President.
