On Monday, Dr. Reuben Abati, a seasoned journalist and former Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, rebuffed the call by certain House of Representatives members to oust Mallam Mele Kyari, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
Abati, known for anchoring the popular Arise TV breakfast talk show called Morning Show, labeled the demand as “unfair, incorrect, and illogical,” stating that blaming the issues in the Nigerian Oil & Gas industry solely on one individual is baseless.
He contended that Mele Kyari, as the NNPC CEO, is not the root of the industry’s problems, emphasizing that the sector has long been troubled by underlying structural challenges that have been overlooked for years.
“Mele Kyari is not the problem with Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The real issue lies in our country’s governance. What is needed is effective leadership to tackle these challenges, not scapegoating an individual,” he expressed.
Abati also criticized the ads run by a faction of House of Representatives members advocating for Kyari’s dismissal.
“There has been a narrative in the media portraying Kyari as the sole problem of the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry. Some have even sponsored ads both for and against Kyari’s removal. But no, Kyari is not the root cause,” he emphasized.
“Fundamental issues have plagued the Oil and Gas sector in Nigeria since the 70s, yet no administration has adequately addressed them.
“Blaming one person is unjust, incorrect, and irrational. Kyari, in my view, is striving to address these challenges. Targeting one individual as the culprit is misguided,” he added.
However, Abati stressed that the primary focus should be on tackling systemic issues rather than laying blame on individuals. He reiterated, “Nigeria’s governance and historical practices are the crux of the matter. What we need is strong leadership. The responsibility rests with our leaders.”