On June 10, 2023, there were widespread reports on social media that the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, had been suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari. However, these reports were quickly debunked by multiple sources in the Presidency, who confirmed that there was no such directive from the President.
Background
Mele Kyari was appointed as the GMD of NNPC in July 2019. He is a chartered accountant and petroleum engineer with over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Prior to his appointment as GMD, Kyari served as the Group General Manager of Crude Oil Marketing Division at NNPC.
Why were there reports of Kyari’s suspension?
The reports of Kyari’s suspension came just a day after President Buhari suspended Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Some speculated that Kyari’s suspension may have been related to the ongoing probe into the alleged diversion of $2.8 billion in oil revenue by the NNPC. However, the Presidency has denied that there is any connection between the two suspensions.
Is Kyari still the GMD of NNPC?
Yes, Mele Kyari is still the GMD of NNPC. The Presidency has confirmed that there is no plan to suspend him.
What are the implications of Kyari’s suspension?
If Kyari had been suspended, it would have been a major shake-up in the NNPC, which is one of Nigeria’s most important companies. It would also have sent a strong message that President Buhari is serious about tackling corruption in the oil and gas sector. However, since Kyari was not suspended, it remains to be seen whether the ongoing probe into the alleged diversion of oil revenue will lead to any concrete results.
Conclusion
There is no evidence to suggest that Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, has been suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari. Reports of his suspension on social media are false. Kyari remains in his position as the head of NNPC.
FAQs
Why were there reports of Kyari’s suspension?
The reports of Kyari’s suspension came just a day after President Buhari suspended Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Some speculated that Kyari’s suspension may have been related to the ongoing probe into the alleged diversion of $2.8 billion in oil revenue by the NNPC. However, the Presidency has denied that there is any connection between the two suspensions.
Is Kyari still the GMD of NNPC?
Yes, Mele Kyari is still the GMD of NNPC. The Presidency has confirmed that there is no plan to suspend him.
What are the implications of Kyari’s suspension?
If Kyari had been suspended, it would have been a major shake-up in the NNPC, which is one of Nigeria’s most important companies. It would also have sent a strong message that President Buhari is serious about tackling corruption in the oil and gas sector. However, since Kyari was not suspended, it remains to be seen whether the ongoing probe into the alleged diversion of oil revenue will lead to any concrete results.