The South South Youths Initiative (SSYI) has called for the immediate arrest and investigation of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and former Executive Vice President (Downstream), Adokiye Tombomieyie, over the alleged mismanagement of funds earmarked for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
Addressing journalists in a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar, the group alleged that the $1.5 billion approved for the rehabilitation of the refinery failed to deliver the expected results, insisting that the facility remains non-functional despite years of intervention.
According to the group, the continued inability of the refinery to refine crude oil raises serious concerns about the utilisation of the funds and warrants a comprehensive criminal investigation by relevant anti-graft agencies.
The SSYI also referenced a $1 billion loan secured during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari for the refinery’s rehabilitation, alleging that the loan is being repaid with crude oil from the Niger Delta despite the refinery’s continued inactivity.
The group accused Kyari of presiding over what it described as an era of opacity, repeated missed deadlines and failed promises regarding the refinery’s rehabilitation.
It also alleged that Tombomieyie, who served as Executive Vice President (Downstream) and Chairman of the Port Harcourt Refinery while the rehabilitation contracts were being executed, should be held accountable for the project’s outcome.
The youth group further claimed that online photographs showing Tombomieyie’s visits to the refinery during the rehabilitation period had disappeared, alleging that they may have been deliberately removed, although it did not provide evidence to support the claim.
Expressing support for the ongoing Senate Public Accounts Committee investigation into alleged financial discrepancies amounting to ₦210 trillion in NNPCL’s audited accounts between 2017 and 2023, the group commended Senator Adams Oshiomhole for what it described as his firm stance on accountability.
The SSYI urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the refinery rehabilitation project and prosecute anyone found culpable.
The group argued that holding those responsible accountable would help address the longstanding grievances of people in the Niger Delta over the management of resources derived from the region.
It further warned that if the EFCC and DSS fail to commence what it described as a credible investigation within the next few days, the organisation would mobilise thousands of youths across the Niger Delta to stage an indefinite protest at the NNPCL headquarters in Abuja until accountability is achieved.
None of the accused parties had responded to the claims as of the time of filing this report.
