A coalition of civil society organisations and legal professionals has vowed to intensify protests across Nigeria over the alleged mismanagement of $4 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of the country’s refineries.
The group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, accused former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, of attempting to derail demands for accountability by employing underhanded tactics to silence their movement.
In a joint statement issued on Friday by its Secretary General, Barr. Aminu Bello, and Director of Publicity, Rotimi Adeyemo, the coalition alleged that Kyari is targeting members of the group in a bid to suppress their call for a judicial commission of inquiry into the refinery spending.
“We will not be bought, bullied, or silenced,” the statement read. “The attempt to pressure us into withdrawing our petition has failed. Now, impostors and faceless coalitions are being used to create confusion. This too will fail.”
The group described the situation as “baffling,” noting that despite claims of over $4 billion spent on turnaround maintenance, Nigeria’s refineries remain non-functional.
“Where did the money go?” the coalition asked. “We have a duty to demand answers, and we won’t stop until those responsible are held accountable under oath.”
The coalition had earlier submitted a petition to the Minister of Finance, calling for a judicial commission to investigate the alleged mismanagement. In addition to the $4 billion refinery spending, they are also questioning the nearly $21.6 billion in crude-backed loans acquired under Kyari’s leadership.
According to the group, these deals undermined Nigeria’s economic sovereignty by handing over significant profits from crude trading to international middlemen.
“These were not mere policy missteps — they were systemic betrayals of public trust,” the statement said. “No nation should tolerate such grave financial irregularities.”
The group demanded the immediate constitution of an independent judicial panel, led by retired justices of unquestionable integrity, to probe the alleged corruption.
“Nigerians deserve to know how their money was spent and why refineries remain idle. This is about justice and accountability,” the statement added.
Reiterating their resolve, the coalition warned that protests will escalate and spread to major cities including Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna if the government fails to act.
“We are ready to mobilise thousands more. This movement will reach every region of Nigeria until a credible probe is launched into NNPCL under Mele Kyari. We have the stamina — and the support of the people,” they declared.
They also called on investigative journalists and media outlets to visit the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries to assess the current state of the facilities and report their findings.
“We challenge the media to expose the truth. If nothing has changed, then someone must be held accountable — not tomorrow, but now.”
The group urged President Bola Tinubu to take swift action and prove that his administration is committed to transparency.
“Mr. President, the burden of leadership is now on your shoulders. Establish an independent inquiry and send a clear message that impunity will not be tolerated. The time to act is now.”
The coalition also thanked citizens and civil society partners for their growing support, saying the public outcry has strengthened their resolve to keep fighting for justice.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
