By Amofokhai Williams
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and a coalition of more than 75 civil society organisations under the banner of the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have expressed strong support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the arrest and interrogation of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.
In a joint statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of CNCSOs, the groups described the EFCC’s action as “a long-awaited step in the right direction” towards addressing years of entrenched fraud in the oil and gas sector.
They specifically referenced the multi-billion-dollar Turnaround Maintenance projects of Nigeria’s refineries, which have remained non-functional despite massive investments under Kyari’s tenure.
“The Nigerian people have endured decades of monumental fraud, waste, and mismanagement in the oil and gas sector, with the refineries representing the single most glaring example of elite corruption. It is therefore heartening to see the EFCC rise to its constitutional responsibility by interrogating one of the key actors accused in these monumental scandals,” the statement read.
The CNPP and CNCSOs called for an uncompromised, thorough, and transparent investigation, urging the EFCC not to reduce the probe to “a mere public show.”
They insisted that all those found culpable, regardless of political or economic influence—must face prosecution for alleged abuse of office, diversion of funds, money laundering, and conspiracy.
The groups also warned that they would not hesitate to resort to legal action, public interest litigation, and mass advocacy should the investigation be compromised.
“If this investigation is compromised or derailed in any way, we will not hesitate to deploy all constitutional and legal instruments available to us, including public interest litigation, mass action, and sustained advocacy campaigns, to ensure that justice is not denied to the Nigerian people,” they cautioned.
They further stressed that sweeping the matter under the carpet would amount to a betrayal of public trust and a disservice to millions of citizens still grappling with the consequences of corruption-driven fuel import dependency and subsidy fraud.
According to the groups, the EFCC’s handling of the case would serve as a litmus test of its credibility and independence, and a clear signal that no Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, is above the law.
Concluding, the CNPP and CNCSOs reaffirmed their solidarity with Nigerians, commending the EFCC for taking action and urging it to stay the course without fear or favour.
“The era of impunity must end, and the fight against corruption must be seen to be real, practical, and yielding tangible results,” the statement added.
